“An addiction is any behaviour, substance or not, that an individual pursues because they find pleasure, relief, or they crave it temporarily, so they pursue the pleasure and relief despite negative consequences. And they don’t give up, in the face of negative consequences. I said any behaviour. So that could be sex, gambling, eating, shopping, work, relationships, or substances”-Gabor Maté 

No one chooses to be a person experiencing addiction. You’re not alone in this.

Addiction can look like many things. Here are some examples:

• Feeling the need to use a substance or engage in a behaviour (such as gambling, sex, or eating) daily or multiple times a day.
• Having intense urges for a substance or impulse to engage in a behaviour(s).
• Over time, needing more of a substance or more frequent engagement in a behaviour to get the same effect.
• Making sure you can easily access a substance or behaviour.
• Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities.
• Doing things you wouldn’t normally do, such as stealing/lying.
• Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the substance/ engaging in addictive behaviour.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
• Failed attempts to quit.

Just as there are diverse ways a person can experience addiction, I believe that there are many paths to recovery. I’m familiar with both abstinence-based and harm reduction models of recovery.

We can work with your goals and desires and ensure you can make the life changes that feel best for you.