What can I expect?
Maybe you’re thinking about getting help from youth addiction services or maybe someone else is thinking that you should see an addiction counsellor.
There are many reasons to visit us. Whatever your reasons, we welcome you!
We are here to serve you.
You might come to an Alberta Health Services (AHS) office because you want help to stop gambling or using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. But there are other reasons, too. Maybe you have already quit and you want some suggestions on what to do now or how to stay quit. Maybe you have never used but you are interested in information so that you can make your own decisions. Maybe someone you care about is addicted to a substance or an activity like gambling. Maybe you just need information to write a school report. Maybe, for whatever reason, you’d like to have a longer talk with a counsellor.
Thinking your life is OK the way it is?
Coming to see us doesn’t necessarily mean that you want to make changes. We don’t make any assumptions about you and what you need. You can choose the type of support that you want. Visit an AHS addiction services office or give us a call to find out about programs in your area.
Starting to think that some change might be a good idea?
Maybe you are starting to consider doing things differently, or maybe other people in your life want you to do things differently. What do you need to change? Can you just make small changes, or does it need to be a big change? We are here to support you and it’s OK if you are not sure of what you want to do. Talking to a supportive counsellor who is interested in you and can give you accurate information will help you to figure things out and make up your own mind.
Want to change or want support with changes you have already made?
An addiction counsellor can help you to set goals, build support systems, solve problems and review and build on past successes. You may find it helpful to attend regular counselling, attend a longer day program, or find out about other resources in your community. Come in and talk with a counsellor about how we can best help you make and maintain the changes that you have chosen for yourself.
What is the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act?
If you have an alcohol or other drug problem and are at risk of harming yourself or others, your parents or legal guardians can ask the court to have you admitted to a protective safe house for up to five days. There you will have a safe and supportive setting in which to begin detoxification, and a counsellor will help you develop a treatment plan to follow after leaving the protective safe house. More >> Frequently Asked Questions About PChAD.
Addiction services for youth can be found in communities and schools across Alberta.
For more information and to find an addiction services office near you, please call the 24-hour Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.
You can also take virtual tours of our Youth Services centres in Edmonton and Calgary.
