New research is showing that during the pandemic, the use of alcohol has increased and has been used as a means to cope with pandemic-related stress and anxiety. To help Canadians address unhealthy habits and re-evaluate their relationship with alcohol, we've launched a brand new Therapist Guided Program focused on managing alcohol use.
What is managing alcohol use about?
Alcohol is a legal depressant drug. Like most countries, Canada publishes its own drinking guidelines under the Canada Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking (LRAD)
guideline to inform Canadians about the limits and levels that are considered the safest when it comes to alcohol intake and the risk associated. Gaining control over drinking habits leads to improved health, reduced depression and anxiety as well as offers a boost of confidence and self-esteem. It may also help people get back to living the life they want. Unfortunately, many people who have alcohol use problems never seek treatment.
How does the Therapist Guided Program on Managing Alcohol Use work?
The Managing Alcohol Use program is based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The program provides 12 weeks of access to our platform and includes exercises, information, reading materials, and worksheets, as well as an alcohol consumption tracker. The entire program is completed under the guidance of a therapist who helps tailor the material to individual clients so that they are empowered with a toolkit of skills to carry forward into
the future.
Who benefits from using the program?
This program is for individuals looking to change their relationship with alcohol. This includes individuals who regularly consume alcohol above the amounts recommended by the LRAD guidelines. This program is not for individuals where the use of alcohol interferes with daily activities or there is a physical dependency that will require the support of a physician or another medical expert.
What research is behind the program?
MindBeacon is committed to evidence-based care. Our programs are developed by clinical psychologists with expertise in CBT, research evidence and the issues we address in therapy. Developed in consultation with experts at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), this program uses the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and a harm reduction approach to manage alcohol consumption and develop strategies to cope with cravings. The Managing Alcohol Use program is a new offering developed using best practices in treatment for alcohol use.
Interested in learning more about managing alcohol use or how to know if you could use some help managing unhealthy habits? Watch our Ask a Therapist webinar from May on-demand here:
If you're ready to take the next step and get started with therapy, visit us here today to complete your assessment.