Addiction Treatment

Addiction is a disease that affects a person’s psychological or physical ability to discontinue harmful behaviour. Addiction, as opposed to misuse, is persistent and prevents its victims from being able to control a specific behavior or the use of a substance. If you suffer from an addiction, the therapists at our Toronto addiction clinic can help you gain control and take charge of your life.

There are many forms of addiction, so the precise number is difficult to estimate. However, substance use disorders alone affect 21.6% of Canadians during the course of their life. Gambling addiction affects as much as 3% of Canadian adults. The statistics vary from one addiction to the next. Some individuals are also afflicted with multiple dependencies.

The effects of addiction can have a profound impact on all areas of life. The consequences may vary depending on the particular addiction. However, regardless of the addiction, it can lead to financial difficulty, family and relationship problems, a decline in school or work performance, discontinuation of leisure and recreational interests, deterioration of both physical and mental health, and even legal trouble.

These vary depending on the addiction. However, a common symptom among all dependencies is a destructive pattern that causes distress and impairs an individual’s functioning or wellness in one or more areas of life.

Other common symptoms include withdrawal when trying to quit, appetite changes, insomnia, unkempt physical appearance and poor hygiene, risk-taking or spending to maintain the habit, social withdrawal, obsession, and denial.

The causes of addiction are complex. Multiple factors may come into play. Scientists believe there’s a genetic component to addiction. When certain environmental factors combine with a genetic predisposition, the risk for addictive behaviour increases. Environmental factors include family dynamics and interactions, social interactions, religion and culture, learned behaviours, and the media.

In regards to substance abuse, the abused substances likely cause brain changes that facilitate the addiction. People with mental illness are also at increased risk for developing an addiction.

At The Clinic, our therapists use diagnostic criteria to make a diagnosis. However, addiction problems aren’t always evident because those with addictions may be in denial or downplay their behaviours. Close family members and friends can often provide invaluable information that leads to diagnosis.

If you’re considering addiction treatment in Toronto, our multi-disciplinary therapists have the experience and background to assess your problems and provide an accurate diagnosis.

Therapy for addiction depends, in part, on the particular type of addiction. For many addictions, psychotherapy is one of the most effective addiction treatments. Cognitive behavioural therapy, in particular, among other psychotherapeutic methods, helps clients understand the underlying cause of their addiction. This insight allows therapists in coordination with their clients to create a customized treatment plan.

In cases of substance abuse, medication may be an essential part of addiction therapy to reduce withdrawal symptoms. For certain substances, it may be necessary to prevent lethal withdrawal.

When there is a co-occurring mental illness, therapy for addiction also requires treating the underlying illness to improve the chance for success.

If you or your therapist believes medication may be a necessary or beneficial part of your addiction treatment plan, our clinic will gladly provide you a referral for medication management.

The length of treatment varies from person-to-person. In most cases, three months is the minimum for effective treatment. For certain substance addictions, a year may be necessary for effective treatment. However, those clients who remain in treatment longer increase their chance for success and reduce their risk of relapse. Our results-oriented therapists that provide addiction treatment in Toronto can provide you a more specific estimate once they meet with you and do an assessment.

The symptoms in teens are similar to adults. Signs of drug or alcohol abuse in teens include unexplained fear or paranoia; changes in mood, energy level, motivation, attitude or personality; social withdrawal, abandonment of activities, a decline in school performance; bloodshot eyes, pupil size larger or smaller than normal, weight changes, and deterioration in hygiene or grooming.

Internet and media addiction has also become a growing problem among teens. So, preoccupation combined with other physical or behavioural changes may indicate an addiction.

Teen treatment for addiction is also similar to adults. However, family participation is often an essential part of a teen’s treatment plan. Our therapists work with children and adults alike and can provide treatment for your teen.