At YRATC we recognize the magnitude of the interplay of genetic, neurobiological, neuro-adaptive, psychological, emotional, social, environmental, spiritual and contextual factors that both contribute to substance use problems, as well as to the recovery process.

We use a combination of psycho-educational, supportive, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural, and relapse prevention psychotherapeutic approaches.

Major focus of treatment:

• How alcohol or drugs affect ones driving performance
• The consequences of driving while impaired
• Ways to avoid driving while impaired
• Modification of ones environment, including "people, places and things"
• The behavioural consequences of ones substance use problems
• The emotional/psychological consequences of ones substance use problems
• Using substances to self-medicate, self-sooth, numb out, or avoid feelings
• Recognizing triggers, conditioned cues, and high risk situations
• How to deal with cravings
• How to deal with boredom
• Coping and problem-solving styles
• Issues around self-esteem and self-image
• Social support networks
• Issues around guilt, shame, and the loss of trust and credibility