Help for Addiction & Healthy Living in St Kilda, Melbourne
It is impossible to understand addiction without asking what relief the addict finds, or hopes to find, in the drug or the addictive behaviour.” – Gabor Mate.
Some people in society are able to engage in substance use, for example, have a glass of wine with dinner, take pain relief medication when unwell or play a hand of black jack on a night out. Then there are others who have a more complex and challenging relationship with a substance or behaviour. The relationship is often tied up in emotional distress and a need for joy.
The beginning of a person’s addiction does not always look and feel like it could be a problem, rather, it evolves gradually. You do not have to be in crisis to know you may have an addiction. A person may find himself or herself worried about feelings of guilt, lack of control or upset by others’ comments about their behaviour. Let us help you make the first step.
In 2016, around 3.1 million Australians reported using an illicit drug. The most common illicit drug was cannabis, followed by misuse of pharmaceuticals, cocaine, and then ecstasy.
Over 500,000 Australians will experience depression and a substance use disorder at the same time, at some point in their lives. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2008). National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
We cannot find peace until we relinquish our judgement. Let us begin a conversation about the relationship you have with a substance or activity. We are not orientated to any doctrine, religious orientation or one particular approach. We have trained in evidence-based treatment and understanding the complexity of your concerns.
Regular use of alcohol may eventually cause:
- Regular colds or flu
- Difficulty getting an erection
- Depression
- Poor memory and brain damage
- Liver disease
- Cancer
- High blood pressure and heart disease
- Needing to drink more to get the same effect
- Dependence on alcohol
- Financial, work and social problems
- Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Addiction can cause tremendous suffering for loved ones who are often trying to help the person in need. It is important everyone has access to education and counselling. If you know someone who may be affected, we want to know how you are too and what impact this may have on your life. We provide counselling to AOD workers, family members, friends, partners and those directly affected.
Do you have that sense that something is missing? A feeling in your gut that you’re not good enough? That if you tick off some action, whether it’s eating a Twix, buying some shoes, smoking a joint or getting a good job, you will feel better? If you do, it’s hardly surprising because I believe we live in an age of addiction where addictive thinking has become almost totally immersive. It is the mode of our culture.” – Russell Brand.
We seek a range of individuals for the treatment of substance and behavioural addictions that may include; drug and alcohol, gambling, food, nicotine, prescription medications, pornography and shopping. Please enquire about finding the right psychologist for you.
Below are a few our most frequently asked questions. Take a look and if you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
A psychologist is trained with undergraduate and postgraduate studies of psychological science and assessment. Psychologists treat those that range from those who suffer serious mental illness to those needing support in understanding their relationships, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with additional specialised training in mental health. They are able to prescribe medication and work well with GP’s and psychologists.
Have you ever been to a GP and thought you might be suited to another doctor? It is the same with a psychologist. It is important that in the first session you ask questions and learn about the therapist’s style in order to feel comfortable. You or someone you know may have had a disappointing experience with a psychologist in the past – do not let this be a barrier to reaching your goals, it just wasn’t the right fit. We care about placing you with the right person, with the right intervention and at the right time.
Absolutely not. Psychological therapy is available to every person on planet earth. We are all human and share similar hopes, fears and struggles. No one is immune to the complexity of life and seeking education about your mental health is something to be proud of. Each year we get better at communicating our mental wellbeing, and our communities are benefitting from the results.
As caring and empathetic your concerns may be for a loved one, it is up to them to make change happen. But your insight and access to our resources can be of great benefit. The Contemporary Psychology clinic has a wide variety of information to offer so you can direct them to this website, this way they can see what we’re on about, and they can send an email or give us a call. You are also encouraged to attend and discuss your own fears regarding a loved one if this has been getting you down.
Common themes in therapy – a psychologist’s reflection
Understanding and Managing Microstress: A Path to Greater Well-being
