Addicitions & Substance Use
Addiction isn’t about weakness — it’s often about trying to numb pain or escape what feels unbearable. Healing starts when we begin to face what we once had to run from.
What Are Substance Use and Addictions?
Substance use and addiction involve the compulsive use of drugs, alcohol, or other substances despite harmful consequences to one’s health, relationships, or responsibilities. Addiction is not simply a lack of willpower — it’s a complex mental health issue that often develops as a way to cope with emotional pain, trauma, or stress.
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Common symptoms of substance use and addiction include:
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Increased tolerance to a substance, needing more to achieve the same effect
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Cravings or strong urges to use the substance
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Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop
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Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance
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Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
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Continued use despite physical, emotional, or social consequences
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Using substances in risky or dangerous situations
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Withdrawing from social or recreational activities
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Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using
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At Harmony Healing Psychotherapy, we offer compassionate, trauma-informed therapy to help individuals in Toronto and across Ontario address the underlying issues contributing to substance use and addiction. With evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs, recovery is possible — and you don’t have to go through it alone.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Addictions
DBT helps individuals build skills to manage distress, regulate intense emotions, and reduce impulsive behaviors — all of which are often connected to substance use. For clients struggling with addiction, DBT teaches healthy coping strategies to replace substance use and supports long-term recovery through mindfulness and emotional resilience.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Addictions
CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to addictive behaviors. It helps clients develop healthier beliefs, manage cravings, and prevent relapse. CBT is highly effective for increasing self-awareness and building the tools needed to maintain sobriety and improve overall well-being.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) for Addictions
IFS explores the “parts” of us that may be using substances as a way to protect or soothe underlying pain or trauma. This approach gently helps clients build a compassionate relationship with these parts, leading to deeper healing and long-lasting change. IFS is especially helpful for clients whose addiction is linked to unresolved emotional wounds.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for Addictions
EFT helps clients connect with and process the emotional experiences that may drive substance use, such as shame, loneliness, or unresolved grief. By validating and transforming these emotions in a safe space, clients can begin to break free from patterns of avoidance and emotional numbing.
How Harmony Healing Psychotherapy Can Support You
At Harmony Healing Psychotherapy, we understand that addiction is often rooted in deeper emotional pain. Our therapists provide trauma-informed, evidence-based care for individuals in Toronto and across Ontario, offering personalized support that meets you where you are. Whether you're looking to explore the emotional roots of substance use, build new coping skills, or reconnect with yourself in recovery, we’re here to walk alongside you — with compassion, understanding, and professional expertise.