Addiction counselling with registered psychologists & counsellors
Addiction is not a personal failure or a lack of willpower. It is a pattern that usually starts as a way of coping with stress, pain or difficult experiences, and then becomes harder and harder to step away from.
Psychologists and counsellors in attendance at our Centre help people understand what drives their addictive behaviour, manage cravings and triggers, and rebuild a life that feels more in their control. Whether your goal is to stop completely or to cut back, the work starts with where you are now.
New clients are often seen within one to two weeks. Please call (07) 3831 4452 to speak with our reception team in confidence.
Written and clinically reviewed by Natascha Madden, Registered Psychologist, Brisbane Counselling Centre. Last reviewed: October 2026
What is an addiction?
An addiction is a repeated pattern of using a substance or doing a behaviour despite clear harm, together with difficulty cutting back or stopping.
At first, a substance or activity may help you relax, escape or cope. Over time the brain’s reward system adapts. You may need more to get the same effect, other parts of life feel less rewarding, and cravings can feel stronger than your intentions. People often describe feeling “stuck”, “out of control” or “like two different people” – one part that wants to stop and another that keeps going.
Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or profession. The Australian Bureau of Statistics National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing found that 3.3% of Australians aged 16 to 85, around 647,900 people, had a substance use disorder in the previous 12 months. Gambling harm is also widespread in Australia, affecting the person who gambles and the people around them.
What types of addiction do you help with?
Alcohol
Drinking more or more often than you intend, drinking to cope with stress or emotions, or finding it hard to have alcohol-free days.
Nicotine and vaping
Many people find vaping harder to stop than they expected, particularly where it is linked to stress or anxiety.
Gambling
Including poker machines, sports and race betting, online casinos and lotteries. Gambling harm often involves financial strain, secrecy and relationship conflict.
Gaming and internet use
Gaming, social media or online activity that crowds out sleep, work, study or relationships.
Pornography and sexual behaviour
Compulsive pornography use is covered on our dedicated page on porn addiction counselling.
Other compulsive behaviours
Such as shopping, compulsive eating or overworking. If eating is the main concern, see our page on eating disorders.
How do I know if I need help?
It is worth speaking with a psychologist or counsellor if you notice any of the following:
- trying to cut back or stop, without success
- spending more time, energy or money on the substance or behaviour than you intended
- feeling anxious, irritable or low when you cannot use or engage in the behaviour
- needing more to get the same effect
- withdrawal symptoms when you stop or cut back
- hiding or lying about your use
- falling behind at work, study or home
- arguments or distance in your relationships because of it
- continuing despite knowing it is causing harm
You do not need to be at “rock bottom” to get help. Earlier support usually makes change easier.
How does addiction affect your life?
Addiction rarely affects only one part of life.
Emotional wellbeing – Cycles of shame, guilt and self-blame are common, and can feed anxiety and depression, which in turn make the addiction harder to break.
Relationships and family – Partners and family members often experience hurt, worry and broken trust. Communication becomes strained and resentment can build on both sides.
Work and study – Concentration, reliability and performance can suffer, adding stress and sometimes putting jobs at risk.
Physical health – Substances can damage the liver, heart, lungs and brain. Even behavioural addictions disrupt sleep and keep stress hormones elevated.
Finances and legal issues – Spending, gambling losses or job instability can lead to debt, and some people face fines or legal consequences.
Sense of self – Many people describe losing sight of who they are. Reconnecting with personal values and purpose is a central part of recovery.
What does addiction counselling involve?
Addiction counselling gives you a confidential space to understand why the addiction developed, what keeps it going, and what will help you change. Your psychologist or counsellor will work with your goals, whether that is stopping completely or reducing harm, and will not judge you.
The approaches most often used are:
Motivational interviewing (MI) – Helps you explore mixed feelings about change and strengthen your own reasons for wanting things to be different.
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) – Identifies triggers, high-risk situations and unhelpful thinking patterns, and builds practical strategies to manage cravings.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness -Learning to notice urges without acting on them, and to make choices based on what matters to you.
Relapse prevention – Planning for difficult situations and responding to slips in a way that keeps you moving forward rather than starting over.
Trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR – Where addiction is linked to trauma or painful past experiences, EMDR can help process those memories. You can read more about EMDR in the treatment of addiction.
Couples and family support – Where addiction has affected a relationship, couples counselling or family therapy can help rebuild trust and communication.
Your psychologist or counsellor will recommend an approach after understanding your situation. You can read more about what a typical session looks like.
Is it safe to stop drinking or using on my own?
Not always. If you drink heavily every day, or regularly use benzodiazepines or certain other drugs, stopping suddenly can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Please speak with your GP before you stop, so that withdrawal can be managed safely.
Counselling at Brisbane Counselling Centre is an outpatient service and does not provide medical detox. Your psychologist or counsellor can work alongside your GP or a withdrawal service. For free, confidential advice at any time, contact Alcohol and Drug Support (ADIS) Queensland on 1800 177 833, available 24 hours.
Support for family members and partners
Loving someone with an addiction can be exhausting and confusing. You might feel worried, angry, responsible, or unsure whether to step in or step back.
Counselling can help you understand addiction, set healthy boundaries, communicate in ways that are more likely to help, and look after your own wellbeing, whether or not the person you are worried about is ready to change. You can book an appointment for yourself, even if your family member does not attend.
How do I book addiction counselling in Brisbane?
- Please call (07) 3831 4452 or complete our enquiry form. Our reception team will treat your call in confidence and suggest a suitable practitioner. You do not need a referral.
- See your GP if you want a Medicare rebate. Ask about a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Your GP can also check your physical health and help with safe withdrawal if needed. You can book with us before or after that appointment.
- Attend your first session. Bring your Medicare card and your plan if you have one. You do not need to have stopped, or to have decided exactly what you want, before you come.
If your workplace offers an Employee Assistance Program through Brisbane Counselling Centre, you may be able to access confidential sessions through it.
Brisbane Counselling Centre is at Level 7, 87 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, near the Brisbane CBD, about five minutes’ walk from Central Station. We are open Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday 8:30am to 5:00pm. Online and telephone sessions are also available.
Meet the psychologists and counsellors or see our fees and rebate information.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist or counsellor for addiction in Brisbane?
Can I get a Medicare rebate for addiction counselling?
How much does addiction counselling cost?
Do I have to stop completely to start counselling?
Will my employer or family find out?
How many sessions will I need?
Can a psychologist help with gambling addiction?
Can I get help if my partner or family member has the addiction?
Is addiction linked to anxiety, depression or trauma?
Do you offer addiction counselling online or on Saturdays?
Where are you located and is there parking?
Help is available
Change is possible, and many people do recover from addiction with the right support. Taking the first step and talking to someone is often the hardest part. A caring psychologist or counsellor can help you understand what is happening, without judgement, and work with you towards the life you want to be living.
Please call (07) 3831 4452 to speak with our reception team. The Brisbane psychologists and counsellors are available to help.
For 24-hour support, contact Alcohol and Drug Support (ADIS) Queensland on 1800 177 833, Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858, or Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call 000.
