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"The Antidote to Addiction
is Connection and Love." Joe Wicks.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Substance dependency can develop subtly and affect various aspects of life, including friendships and relationships. This issue impacts individuals from all backgrounds. Studies show that alcohol and drug use may be higher among LGBTQIA+ individuals compared to their heterosexual counterparts, especially in the 18-25 age group. The integration of substance use into social settings like clubs and bars, where people frequently socialize, contributes to this trend.

The challenge lies in the adverse effects of regular substance use on health and relationships. Young people, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, may face negative experiences that increase the risk of substance use, including:

  • Bullying and harassment
  • Verbal and physical violence
  • Name-calling and derogatory labels
  • Cyberbullying
  • Loss of family and friends

Addressing these challenges with targeted support and intervention can be really helpful for promoting healthier outcomes and well-being.

Some common symptoms of alcohol or drug dependence include:

  • Using a substance to cope.
  • A lack of interest in social activities unless it involves alcohol and/or drugs.
  • Sudden changes to your mood, such as anger or irritability.
  • Feeling fearful or anxious for no apparent reason.
  • Problems with work, school, family, or friends.
  • Trouble sleeping or insomnia.
  • Feeling ill when you go without the substance for some time (substance withdrawal symptoms).

Substance dependency can develop subtly and affect various aspects of life, including friendships and relationships. This issue impacts individuals from all backgrounds. Studies show that alcohol and drug use may be higher among LGBTQIA+ individuals compared to their heterosexual counterparts, especially in the 18-25 age group. The integration of substance use into social settings like clubs and bars, where people frequently socialize, contributes to this trend.

The challenge lies in the adverse effects of regular substance use on health and relationships. Young people, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, may face negative experiences that increase the risk of substance use, including:

  • Bullying and harassment
  • Verbal and physical violence
  • Name-calling and derogatory labels
  • Cyberbullying
  • Loss of family and friends

Addressing these challenges with targeted support and intervention can be really helpful for promoting healthier outcomes and well-being.

How Our Team Can Help

At Unboxed Pride, we offer support by developing a plan that may include:

 

  • A safe place to talk to a caring, non-judgmental therapist and share your experiences with substance use. 
  • Options and practical solutions to reduce substance misuse.
  • Identify any thoughts or triggers that contribute to the use of substances and provide strategies to overcome them.
  • Develop new ways to approach thought patterns through a lens of compassion and self-awareness to make informed decisions. 
  • Evidence-based therapies (such as CBT/DBT) to help understand triggers, related thoughts, and behavioral responses to break negative thought cycles related to substance use, and related mental health issues.
  • Build self-care strategies and support plans to incorporate positive thinking and new perspectives when confronted with stress factors.
  • Strategies and comprehensive plans to manage potential lapses and relapse situations to help you stay on track.

Our Team Are Here For You

We are here with you every step of the way and are committed to progress and supporting you in your journey.
 Therapist image

Daniel Carter

He/Him
Registered Psychologist
LGBTQIA+ member, Male, Spiritual, Warm and Sensitive
Registered Psychologist
Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday
$192.90 (Private Fee)
$96.25 (With Medicare Rebate)
 Therapist image

Daniel Carter

Registered Psychologist
ADD/ADHD
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Anger management

Registered Psychologist (He/Him)

My practises focus onn combining the strengths and skills you’ve developed through personal experience with up-to-date, evidence-based methods to collaboratively achieve your therapeutic goals. I primarily use a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach to understand your goals and identify any barriers preventing you from reaching them.    
 Therapist image

PJ Menon

She/They
Registered Psychologist
LGBTQIA+ member, Non-Binary, Warm and Sensitive
Registered Psychologist
Tuesday & Friday
$192.90 (Private Fee)
$96.25 (With Medicare Rebate)
 Therapist image

PJ Menon

Registered Psychologist
ADD/ADHD
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Anger management

Registered Psychologist (She/They)

I'm warm & empathetic, and love to use humour to develop therapeutic relationships. I value collaboration, and celebrate lived experiences and client wisdom in my work. I'm passionate about walking alongside others as they develop their self-compassion, confidence and identity.    
 Therapist image

Glenda May

She/Her
Registered Psychologist
Female, Parent, Warm and Sensitive
Registered Psychologist
Mon-Fri
$192.90 (Private Fee)
$96.25 (With Medicare Rebate)
 Therapist image

Glenda May

Registered Psychologist
ADD/ADHD
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Anger management

Registered Psychologist (She/Her)

Clients often describe me as warm and inspirational. I have a passion for guiding introspection, facilitating self-discovery, and empowering individuals to achieve their aspirations.    
 Therapist image

Mark Podesta

He/Him
Registered Psychologist
LGBTQIA+ member, Male, Spiritual, Warm and Sensitive
General Psychologist (GradDip and Postgrad Dip -Psych)
Saturday
$192.90 (Private Fee)
$96.25 (With Medicare Rebate)
  $230 – Couples Counselling
 Therapist image

Mark Podesta

Registered Psychologist
ADD/ADHD
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Anger management

Registered Psychologist (He/Him)

I'm a warm, caring, approachable person. I'll be guided by your strengths, needs and circumstances; empowering you to be able to create positive changes, cope with challenges and difficulties, and improve your overall wellbeing.    
 Therapist image

Keith Kulda

He/Him
Counsellor
Confident, LGBTQIA+ member, Tough but Comforting, Male
Counsellor
Wed & Thurs
$130
 Therapist image

Keith Kulda

Counsellor
ADD/ADHD
Agoraphobia
Alcohol & Drug Abuse

 Counsellor (He/Him)

My counselling approach is person-centred and focused on developing strong therapeutic partnerships and meet clients where they are. I am a proud gay man of colour with a practice motivated on helping clients with personal growth and making self-rewarding change.  
 Therapist image

Leonard W Kling

He/Him
Clinical Psychologist
Male, LGBTQIA+ member, Warm and Sensitive, Non-religous
Clinical Psychologist
Wednesday
$235.50 (Private Fee)
$93.65 (With Medicare Rebate)
 Therapist image

Leonard W Kling

Clinical Psychologist
Agoraphobia
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Anger management

 Clinical Psychologist (He/Him) 

I’m all about positivity, compassion, and respect. I’m here to really get to know you and your personal experiences while making our sessions a welcoming and safe space. Together, we’ll work on your goals and make meaningful progress towards positive change and personal growth.
https://unboxedpride.com.au/