Addiction Mental Health Resources
Below are some self-help resources to learn more about yourself. This is a curated list developed over years of practice that continues to evolve. We are excited to share some of these resources with you.
Disclaimer: Please use these resources thoughtfully and with caution and discretion. These resources are general suggestions and not all may be helpful or applicable to you. Self-help resources and support groups are not a substitute for professional assessment and treatment. *We are not personally invested in, nor stand to profit from, any of the recommendations provided.
Self-Check Addiction Quiz
We’ve developed a self-check quiz to help you decide if Addiction Counselling might be a good fit for you. (Just remember, it’s not a replacement for a professional diagnosis!)
Helpful e-books, worksheets and guides
Download For Free!
Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction? Take the first step towards a healthier, happier life with our comprehensive Addiction Recovery Handbook. Written by Paige Abbott, a Registered Psychologist at Sana Psychological.
Are you struggling with addiction triggers? You're not alone. Our comprehensive guide offers 12 powerful strategies for overcoming triggers to help you navigate the challenges of recovery and reclaim control of your life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, scattered, or unfocused? Discover the secret to regaining control of your mind and boosting your productivity with our free downloadable guide: "Distraction Techniques: Your Path to Clarity and Calm."
Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Download our free guide, "Igniting Intimacy: Conversation Starters for Couples,"
Are you confused by the alphabet soup of therapist credentials? You're not alone. Our free guide, "Therapist Credentials 101," is here to help.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious? Take control of your well-being with 20 Quick Strategies to Settle Your Nervous System!
Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth? Our free ebook, "How to Journal: A Comprehensive Guide," is your ticket to unlocking the transformative power of journaling.
Discover the power of self-reflection with our carefully curated collection of journal prompts, designed to help you.
Are you struggling to prioritize yourself? Feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to take care of your own needs? It's time to transform your relationship with self-care. Introducing "A Guide To Self Care" by Paige Abbott, Registered Psychologist.
Discover the power of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) with our free ebook, "Building Emotional Intelligence."
Addiction Recovery Resources
General
ASAM Long Definition (2012)
National Institute on Drug Abuse to learn more about how substances impact the brain. Their teen section and marijuana sections can be quite helpful.
‘The Untethered Soul’ by Michael Singer for those interested in a more holistic and spiritual take on Cognitive-Behavioural Principles.
‘Addictive Thinking’ by Abraham Twerski
‘In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts’ by Gabor Mate
‘Dopamine Nation’ by Anna Lembke
Article on the problems with social media use and how it can compare to nicotine as well as an article on ‘Doom Scrolling’
Codependency
Melody Beattie: ‘Codependent No More,’ ‘The New Codependency,’ and Daily meditations. She also has many other books that can be helpful in learning more about your relationship patterns.
‘The Enabler’ by Angelyn Miller
Healing from Codependency article
Alcohol Use
The SMART Recovery Toolbox for those struggling with substances and other problem behaviours.
‘Quit Like a Woman’ by Holly Whitaker
‘This Naked Mind’ by Annie Grace
Take a Break by Rachel Hart-website, podcast and self-test
‘Undoing Drugs’ by Maia Szalavitz
‘Not Drinking Tonight Workbook’ by Amanda White
‘Alcohol Explained’ by William Porter
‘Alcohol is Shit’ by Paul Churchill
‘Alcohol Lied to Me’ by Craig Porter
‘Intoxicating Lies’ by Meg Geisewite
‘New Pair of Glasses’ by Chuck C.
‘Drop the Rock’ by Alcoholics Anonymous
Eating Disorders
‘Overcoming Binge Eating’ by Dr. Christopher Fairburn.
‘Intuitive Eating’ by Tribole and Resch
This article provides a thorough overview of eating disorders
Blog on Eating Disorder Recovery from Seven Health
Sexual Addiction
‘Your Brain on Porn’ 5 part series on YouTube
Patrick Carnes’ ‘Out of the Shadows’ and ‘Facing the Shadow’ workbook for sexual issues
‘Recovery Zone’ by Patrick Carnes
Paige Abbott, Registered Psychologist and Founder of Sana Psychological, has co-authored three books on Addiction: ‘Addiction is Addiction,’ ‘ the corresponding workbook and ‘Love, the Drug‘ about recovery.
We also recommend people look into the 12-Step programs (and/or other forms of peer recovery support and connection).
Here is a brief article introducing the premise of these programs. We would encourage you to do more reading and research before deciding on next steps of action. Here are some 12-Step programs that might be a fit:
Overeaters Anonymous (quiz to determine if this program is a fit for you)
Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families-ACoA
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous-SLAA
SMART Recovery, and/or Recovery Dharma YYC for group support if you are struggling with any problem behaviour.
We understand these groups may not be a fit for you, but some of the writings or materials may have an impact even if you do not pursue meetings.
Worth Recovery podcast (for women in recovery)
Some Bonuses: Paige Abbott’s Podcast Interviews- And More!
Stomp the Stigma ep. 11 speaking about Mental Health, being a Psychologist, and more!
A 3 minute read article about Paige’s business, clientele and why she does what she does
An article on Anxiety & Addiction by Sana Psychological on the blog Anxiety Gone
Apps
Reframe, I Am Sober, Quitzilla, Sober Tool, Monitoring Your Gambling and Urges (MYGU), Meeting Guide by AA, Everything AA, NA Meeting Search, Relay
From the Blog
Addiction Experts At SanaPsyc
