Substance Use and Recovery Support Service
Substance use can be a way of coping when life feels overwhelming—and for individuals with ADHD, Learning Disabilities or Autism, those pressures can be especially intense. Many neurodivergent people navigate daily challenges related to emotional regulation, impulsivity, stress, sensory overload, or feeling misunderstood, and substances can sometimes become a way to manage, escape, or find relief. At Possibilities Clinic, we approach substance use with compassion rather than judgment. We understand that everyone’s story is different, and that support is most effective when it honours the whole person, their neurodivergent identity, and their goals for change. Whether you want to cut down a bit, or quit substances you currently use all together, we’re here to help.
Our Approach
We offer individual substance use support provided by a registered Social Worker with extensive experience in mental health and addiction settings. Our care is collaborative, respectful, and tailored to each individual’s goals, values, and readiness for change. Whether you are actively seeking to change your relationship with substances or are feeling uncertain and ambivalent, support is available.
Here are frequent questions we are asked about our Substance Use Therapy Service along with our answers.
We support individuals with a range of substance use concerns, including alcohol, stimulants, and opioids, as well as behavioral addictions such as compulsive sexual behaviors. Care is individualized and responsive to each person’s unique experiences and needs.
This service focuses primarily on individual therapy. When helpful, a partner may be involved for education and support, particularly to better understand substance use and recovery. Ongoing family therapy is not a core component of this service, and family members are often encouraged to seek their own supports when appropriate.
Support may be available for older adolescents, particularly when caregivers are involved in care planning and consent. Each situation is considered individually to ensure appropriate, effective, and ethical support.
You do not need to feel “ready” to begin. Therapy can be a supportive space to explore uncertainty, build insight, and clarify goals. Motivational approaches are used to help individuals move toward change at their own pace, without pressure or judgment.
Substance use in neurodivergent individuals often reflects efforts to cope with emotional overwhelm, impulsivity, boredom, stress, or executive functioning challenges. Therapy takes these factors into account and integrates strategies that align with individual needs, strengths, and learning styles.
Currently, this service is offered as individual therapy. Group programming may be introduced in the future.
Our Substance Use Therapy Service offers therapy that draws from several evidence–based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Therapeutic approaches are always tailored to client needs to support success through the process.
No, you do not need a referral to begin this therapy.
No. This service is offered by a Social Worker and is not covered by OHIP. Please check with your insurance provider to see if Social Work services are covered.
The cost of each 50-minute therapy session is $200
Many factors determine how long the journey through substance use support will be. How ready you are, or a family member is, to engage with the therapy is one factor. The frequency and nature of the substance use, as well as your goals, are other important considerations. When you meet with the therapist, she will help guide you in determining the number of sessions to book to start the therapy work.
For more information about our Substance Use and Recovery Support Service program offered at Possibilities, please contact us at info@possibilitiesclinic.com or call 1-833-482-5558. You can also get started right away by completing our Intake Form.
