Substance Use Disorder Therapy

in Red Deer, AB

Trauma-Informed Counselling for Adults

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What is Substance Use Disorder Therapy ?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition characterized by an individual's inability to control or stop using substances, despite the negative impact it has on their health, relationships, and daily life. This condition can involve alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs, and it often leads to physical and psychological dependence. People with substance use disorder may experience cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and a growing tolerance to the substance, making it increasingly difficult to quit.

Substance use often develops as a response to emotional pain, stress, trauma, or unmet needs. Therapy offers a space to understand these patterns, reduce shame, and build healthier ways of coping that feel sustainable and aligned with your values. With professional help, individuals can recover, regain control of their lives, and build a healthier, substance-free future.

Therapy helps individuals identify the root causes of their substance use, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and build strategies to avoid relapse. Substance use disorder therapy is a supportive form of counselling that helps people explore their relationship with substances in a compassionate, non-judgmental way. Rather than focusing only on stopping a behaviour, therapy looks at what substances have been helping you cope with, and what may be happening underneath the use.

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A Trauma-Informed Approach to Substance Use

At Oak and Stone Therapy, substance use is viewed through a trauma-informed and attachment-based lens. This means:

  • Substance use is understood as a coping strategy, not a failure

  • Behaviour is explored with curiosity rather than judgment

  • Healing focuses on safety, regulation, and connection

  • Change happens at your pace, with your consent

We work together to understand what substances provide for you and how to meet those needs in safer, more supportive ways.

Benefits of Substance Use Disorder Therapy

Many people find therapy supports:

  • Greater clarity about substance use patterns

  • Reduced reliance on substances for coping

  • Improved emotional regulation and stress management

  • Increased self-compassion and self-trust

  • Healthier relationships and boundaries

  • A stronger sense of control and alignment with personal values

Progress looks different for everyone, and your therapy plan will be tailored to your needs.

When Substance Use Becomes a Concern

You may benefit from substance use disorder therapy if you:

  • Feel stuck in patterns of use that are hard to control

  • Use substances to manage emotions, stress, or numbness

  • Experience shame, guilt, or secrecy around use

  • Notice impacts on relationships, work, or self-esteem

  • Want to reduce, change, or better understand your substance use

  • Feel conflicted about your relationship with substances

You do not need to identify as having an “addiction” to seek support. Therapy meets you where you are, whether your goal is reduction, abstinence, or greater self-understanding.

Therapy Options at Oak and Stone Therapy

Substance use disorder counselling is offered as:

  • Individual adult therapy

  • In-person therapy sessions in Red Deer, Alberta

  • Walk and Talk therapy

  • Virtual (online) therapy sessions

All sessions are grounded in trauma-informed, attachment-based care, focused on safety, respect, and collaboration.

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Ready to Explore Support?

Substance use disorder therapy offers a compassionate space to understand yourself, your coping strategies, and your path forward. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Serving Red Deer, Alberta and surrounding areas
Contact Oak and Stone Therapy to book your first session

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. You do not need to be abstinent to begin therapy. Counselling meets you where you are and supports you in exploring your relationship with substances without pressure or judgment.

  • Yes. All counselling sessions are confidential and follow professional and ethical guidelines.

  • Yes. Therapy can support exploration, ambivalence, and understanding — even if you are unsure about what change looks like for you right now.

  • The length of therapy varies depending on your goals, needs, and pace. We will decide together what feels most supportive.

"Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life."

- J.K. Rowling