Substance Use & Self: Exploring Your Relationship with Substances is a group is for women (trans or cis) and nonbinary folks ages 19-30 who are interested in exploring and changing their relationship with substance use (i.e., cannabis, alcohol, cocaine, prescription medication, etc.). This virtual, 4-week group will help clients learn skills to manage substance cravings, increase their capacity to identify and cope with substance use triggers, and develop skills to foster self-compassion. The group will start on January 17, 2024 the fee includes all 4 weeks. Visit http://tinyurl.com/5y4w6tsm to sign up!

Substance Use & Self: Exploring Your Relationship with Substances is a group is for women (trans or cis) and nonbinary folks ages 19-30 who are interested in exploring and changing their relationship with substance use (i.e., cannabis, alcohol, cocaine, prescription medication, etc.). This virtual, 4-week group will help clients learn skills to manage substance cravings, increase their capacity to identify and cope with substance use triggers, and develop skills to foster self-compassion. The group will start on January 17, 2024 the fee includes all 4 weeks. Visit http://tinyurl.com/5y4w6tsm to sign up!
Renascent offers gender-specific drug and alcohol rehab, with two men’s centres and one women’s centre to address the unique and specific concerns of men and women. Men are counselled by men and women by women. Our women’s centre welcomes those who self-identify as female; our men’s centres welcome those who self-identify as male. For people who are non-binary or questioning their identity, we will work with you to help you decide which centre best meets your needs.

Our compassionate and caring clinicians are fully certified professionals with extensive experience in treating substance use disorders.
Renascent offers gender-specific drug and alcohol rehab, with two men’s centres and one women’s centre to address the unique and specific concerns of men and women. Men are counselled by men and women by women. Our women’s centre welcomes those who self-identify as female; our men’s centres welcome those who self-identify as male. For people who are non-binary or questioning their identity, we will work with you to help you decide which centre best meets your needs.
This online group is a peer support group for adult women who want to reduce their use of alcohol, cannabis, or other substances. Group currently runs online via Zoom every other Thursday, 5:30-7pm. Cost is $75 per person per meeting/ $150 per month, unless the person is financially vulnerable, in which case a pay-what-you-can agreement can be put in place. Group members are strongly encouraged to participate in regular individual therapy in addition to their participation in group.

Hosted by Annina Schmid
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, CTP Dip
Group meets in Toronto, ON M4T
I frequently work with highly intelligent avoidant personalities who disengage from life, whether through disordered thinking, behaviours or substance use.
This online group is a peer support group for adult women who want to reduce their use of alcohol, cannabis, or other substances. Group currently runs online via Zoom every other Thursday, 5:30-7pm. Cost is $75 per person per meeting/ $150 per month, unless the person is financially vulnerable, in which case a pay-what-you-can agreement can be put in place. Group members are strongly encouraged to participate in regular individual therapy in addition to their participation in group.
Group members are supported in understanding their substance use, developing coping skills, and learning to process and cope with life experiences. The format combines a check-in, goal tracking and topic discussions . New topics are presented weekly, like triggers, relapse prevention, emotions, communication, relationships, mental health and more. This group has a 10 person limit and doesn't require commitment to weekly attendance. I'm waiting for three people to sign up before starting the group, and am offering individual therapy at group rates if you sign up for the group. time/day will be set based on what works for people who sign up.

Hosted by Cristobal Lopez
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Group meets in Toronto, ON M3C
I specialize with clients facing substance use and addiction.
Group members are supported in understanding their substance use, developing coping skills, and learning to process and cope with life experiences. The format combines a check-in, goal tracking and topic discussions . New topics are presented weekly, like triggers, relapse prevention, emotions, communication, relationships, mental health and more. This group has a 10 person limit and doesn't require commitment to weekly attendance. I'm waiting for three people to sign up before starting the group, and am offering individual therapy at group rates if you sign up for the group. time/day will be set based on what works for people who sign up.
In this 10-session treatment protocol (10th session with the significant other) the participants learn to analyze the apparent and non-obvious aspects of the situations that lead to substance use and identify factors that can help clients stay abstinent. Clients learn new ways to cope with cravings, develop substance management goals, refusal skills with various people, managing what appear to be irrelevant decisions, develop coping plans and problem solve. This program also includes a session for significant others to orient them to the treatment, and explore strategies through which they can help the client develop abstinence or remain abstinence.

In this 10-session treatment protocol (10th session with the significant other) the participants learn to analyze the apparent and non-obvious aspects of the situations that lead to substance use and identify factors that can help clients stay abstinent. Clients learn new ways to cope with cravings, develop substance management goals, refusal skills with various people, managing what appear to be irrelevant decisions, develop coping plans and problem solve. This program also includes a session for significant others to orient them to the treatment, and explore strategies through which they can help the client develop abstinence or remain abstinence.
The Design Your Health Masterclass & Group Coaching Program is an online group that will help you succeed at creating new habits & make vibrant wellness your reality. During this 12- week journey, you will learn how the change process actually works, and what you need to do to move forward. You will also develop a new way of understanding "self-sabotage" and how you can move through this inevitable part of the change process to become resilient to it. By the end, you will be able to navigate self sabotage so that it never has to derail you again.

The Design Your Health Masterclass & Group Coaching Program is an online group that will help you succeed at creating new habits & make vibrant wellness your reality. During this 12- week journey, you will learn how the change process actually works, and what you need to do to move forward. You will also develop a new way of understanding "self-sabotage" and how you can move through this inevitable part of the change process to become resilient to it. By the end, you will be able to navigate self sabotage so that it never has to derail you again.
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Mental Health First Aid is a 9-hour, evidence-based certification course designed to provide participants with tools to support those experiencing declining mental well-being and crises. It covers responses to issues like anxiety, depression, substance use, panic attacks, trauma, and suicidal ideation. Offered virtually or in-person to organizations and the public, contact me at kimeiko@pm.me to enquire.

Hosted by Self Care with Kimeiko - Direct Billing
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, PsyDip
Group meets in Markham, ON L3T
Mental Health First Aid is a 9-hour, evidence-based certification course designed to provide participants with tools to support those experiencing declining mental well-being and crises. It covers responses to issues like anxiety, depression, substance use, panic attacks, trauma, and suicidal ideation. Offered virtually or in-person to organizations and the public, contact me at kimeiko@pm.me to enquire.
Our Addiction Group provides a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals seeking support and healing from addiction. This group offers a supportive environment where participants can share their experiences, explore the root causes of their addiction, and develop strategies for recovery. Through group discussions, coping strategies, and therapeutic support, members gain tools to build resilience, break free from destructive patterns, and make lasting changes. With a focus on accountability, empowerment, and growth, our goal is to help individuals regain control of their lives, rebuild relationships, and create a healthier future free from the grip of addiction.

Our Addiction Group provides a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals seeking support and healing from addiction. This group offers a supportive environment where participants can share their experiences, explore the root causes of their addiction, and develop strategies for recovery. Through group discussions, coping strategies, and therapeutic support, members gain tools to build resilience, break free from destructive patterns, and make lasting changes. With a focus on accountability, empowerment, and growth, our goal is to help individuals regain control of their lives, rebuild relationships, and create a healthier future free from the grip of addiction.
If you are someone who has questioned your substance use patterns in the past, our ‘Sober Curious’ support program may be for you! Did you know that addiction is not the result of moral failing or lack of willpower, but rather a complex interplay of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Learn more! Get support with others struggling with many of the same issues in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

If you are someone who has questioned your substance use patterns in the past, our ‘Sober Curious’ support program may be for you! Did you know that addiction is not the result of moral failing or lack of willpower, but rather a complex interplay of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Learn more! Get support with others struggling with many of the same issues in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
Group therapy has been proven time and time again to play a crucial role in recovery from addiction. In our group, you will experience a very non-judgmental atmosphere where you will receive support and guidance to assist you in your journey of recovery. Addicts live a very isolated and lonely life, often thinking that they are the only ones with these types of struggles. Joining a group if fellow addicts will help you realize that you are most definitely not alone and this "community" will play a major role in your recovery.

Hosted by Betzalel Wolff
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, CMAT-S, CSAT-S, EMDR
Group meets in North York, ON M6A
Group therapy has been proven time and time again to play a crucial role in recovery from addiction. In our group, you will experience a very non-judgmental atmosphere where you will receive support and guidance to assist you in your journey of recovery. Addicts live a very isolated and lonely life, often thinking that they are the only ones with these types of struggles. Joining a group if fellow addicts will help you realize that you are most definitely not alone and this "community" will play a major role in your recovery.
Do you want to talk about personal, relational, psychological, or spiritual or anything that feels important to you? Some of the themes we can explore in our discussions: How do I deal with my sadness, anger, grief, fears, anxiety, guilt or shame? Why I do what I do - addictions, unhealthy habits, or negative thinking? How do I find meaning or purpose of my life or make sense out of my suffering? Can positive psychology and spirituality help me develop more hope, empathy, gratitude or forgiveness? How do I develop Mindfulness, loving-kindness, compassion and empathy towards the self and others?

Do you want to talk about personal, relational, psychological, or spiritual or anything that feels important to you? Some of the themes we can explore in our discussions: How do I deal with my sadness, anger, grief, fears, anxiety, guilt or shame? Why I do what I do - addictions, unhealthy habits, or negative thinking? How do I find meaning or purpose of my life or make sense out of my suffering? Can positive psychology and spirituality help me develop more hope, empathy, gratitude or forgiveness? How do I develop Mindfulness, loving-kindness, compassion and empathy towards the self and others?
If your loved one is an addict, you are going through a very difficult, frustrating, and challenging time. Our warm and non-judgmental group offers you an opportunity to meet others in similar situations. Under the guidance of a professional addiction therapist, you will receive the support and guidance which you so desperately need to help you manage this trying time in your life.

Hosted by Betzalel Wolff
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, CMAT-S, CSAT-S, EMDR
Group meets in North York, ON M6A
If your loved one is an addict, you are going through a very difficult, frustrating, and challenging time. Our warm and non-judgmental group offers you an opportunity to meet others in similar situations. Under the guidance of a professional addiction therapist, you will receive the support and guidance which you so desperately need to help you manage this trying time in your life.
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Substance Use Support Groups
How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?
In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.
How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?
Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.
How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.
Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?
There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.