ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling - addiction counselling calgary

Addiction Isn’t the Problem. It’s the Pattern.

Most people don’t wake up and decide to self-destruct. Addiction isn’t a moral failing or a matter of willpower—it’s a pattern. A response to pain, fear, and unresolved beliefs about who you are and what you’re allowed to feel.

At ShiftGrit, we help you go deeper than behaviour. Because what drives the compulsive need to escape, numb, or control often isn’t obvious—it’s buried in identity-level beliefs like:

  • “I can’t handle my feelings.”
  • “I’m not safe.”
  • “Nothing ever gets better.”
  • “I’m already broken.”

These aren’t surface-level thoughts. They’re emotional truths your system has absorbed. Until those shift, recovery stays fragile. That’s why our Calgary addiction counselling focuses on changing the pattern—not just the symptoms.

Rewiring the Loop: The ShiftGrit Core Method

Our therapy model combines two key components:

Pattern Theory explains the ‘why’ behind your behaviours—how early experiences shaped your beliefs, and how those beliefs shape your choices.

Reconditioning is the structured process we use to change those beliefs. Using imaginal exposure and memory reprocessing techniques, we help your emotional brain stop perceiving non-threats as threats—so the compulsive reactions naturally start to fade.

This is the work of freedom. Not just abstinence, but internal regulation, resilience, and self-trust.

Addiction as an Adaptive Strategy

Every behaviour makes sense in context. Addiction often starts as a solution—a way to soothe overwhelm, fill a void, or quiet the noise of limiting beliefs. But over time, the solution becomes its own problem.

Our role isn’t to shame the pattern. It’s to understand it—then help you replace it with something better.

We address:

  • Substance use (alcohol, cannabis, prescription misuse)
  • Behavioural addictions (porn, gambling, technology)
  • Relapse cycles tied to trauma
  • Co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression

And we do it without moralizing. We focus on your system, your capacity, and your patterns.

From the Blog: Identity-Level Patterns & Insights

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

At ShiftGrit Calgary, our addiction counselling provides:

  • A structured process for lasting change
  • Tools to regulate your nervous system and reduce cravings
  • Support in building a meaningful, value-aligned life without the pattern

Because it’s not just about removing the coping behaviour. It’s about upgrading the belief system that made you need it in the first place.

ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling - addiction counselling calgary

Downtown Therapist Calgary

ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling
Address:
815 17 Avenue SW #210, Calgary, AB, T2T 0A1, Canada

Phone: (587) 352-6463
Email: mountroyal@shiftgrit.shop
Mount Royal Location

FAQ

What is addiction?

Addiction is a chronic disorder characterized by the compulsive use of a substance or engagement in a behavior despite negative consequences. Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of substances, such as alcohol or drugs, which can lead to addiction.

What causes addiction?

The exact cause of addiction is not fully understood, but it is thought to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. These may include a history of trauma or abuse, mental health disorders, and certain personality traits or life circumstances.

How does addiction affect a person?

Addiction can have serious consequences for a person's physical and emotional health, as well as their relationships and overall quality of life. It can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and distress, and can also increase the risk of physical health problems such as liver damage, heart disease, and overdose.

What are some signs of addiction?

Some signs of addiction may include a strong craving for the substance or behavior, continuing to use the substance or engage in the behavior despite negative consequences, problems fulfilling responsibilities at work, school, or home, and using more of the substance or engaging in the behavior over time.

How is addiction treated with a psychologist addiction counsellor registered?

Treatment for addiction typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are commonly used forms of therapy to help individuals identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors related to addiction. Medications such as naltrexone, buprenorphine, and methadone may also be helpful in reducing substance abuse and supporting recovery.

How do I find a therapist for addiction in Calgary?

To find a therapist for addiction in Calgary, you can contact your primary care doctor or a mental health professional for recommendations, search online or through directories such as the Canadian Psychological Association's "Find a Psychologist" tool, or ask for referrals from friends or family.

How long does therapy for addiction typically take?

The duration of therapy for addiction can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. Some people may see improvement in a few weeks or months, while others may need longer-term treatment. It's important to work with your therapist to determine a treatment plan that is right for you.

Is therapy for addiction covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for therapy for addiction can vary depending on your specific plan and the province in which you live. In Alberta, most insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of mental health treatment, including therapy for addiction. It's a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.

How can I prevent addiction?

To prevent addiction, it can be helpful to avoid risky behaviors and substances, to seek support from friends and family, and to educate oneself about the risks and consequences of substance abuse. It can also be helpful to set limits and boundaries and to engage in healthy coping strategies, such as exercise and relaxation techniques, to manage stress and negative emotions.

What can I do if I'm already struggling with addiction?

If you are already struggling with addiction, it's important to seek help and support from loved ones, a mental health professional, and addiction recovery resources. Treatment options such as therapy and medication can be effective in supporting recovery and helping individuals to break the cycle of addiction. It's also important to be patient with yourself and to recognize that recovery is a journey that may involve setbacks and challenges, but with hard work and perseverance, it is possible to overcome addiction and build a healthier, more fulfilling life.

🔁 The habit isn’t the problem—it’s the loop behind it.
Break free by targeting the real drivers of addiction with identity-level therapy.
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