Substance Use Assessments &
Addiction Counselling in North Bay

Substance Use & Addiction Counselling

Whether the substance is alcohol, drugs, gaming, or something quieter that’s been creeping in for years — the conversation starts with one phone call. It doesn’t have to be the right call. It just has to be a call.

Substance use work at O.W.L. Counselling & Wellness is for individuals seeking recovery, supporters of loved ones, and employers/employees navigating return-to-duty processes. We provide formal assessments, individual addiction counselling, and family support, in-person at our North Bay and Huntsville offices and virtually across Ontario.

Work With Us

“We work in a way that’s Own. Willful. Living. Helping you make conscious, value-aligned choices rather than running on autopilot or
other people’s expectations.”

How We Can Help

North Bay & Huntsville Therapy

Formal substance use assessments: objective evaluation, clear treatment recommendations, defensible documentation.
Individual addiction counselling: exploring triggers, building coping strategies, and addressing the underlying pain that fuels use.
Return-to-duty services: independent case management for employees and employers.
Support for families and loved ones: boundary-setting, loving detachment, and personal recovery for those affected by someone else’s use.

Our Approach

Our approach is empathetic, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed. We understand that addiction is rarely just about the substance, it’s usually intertwined with underlying trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, life stressors, or all of the above. Rather than focusing solely on the substance, we work integratively to address what’s underneath.

Depending on what you’re working on, your therapist may draw from:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): recognizing the thought–urge–use pattern and building alternatives.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): distress tolerance and emotion regulation, especially powerful in early recovery.
Motivational Interviewing: useful when ambivalence about change is part of the picture.

Trauma-informed work, including IFS and somatic approaches: when the substance has been holding back something deeper.
Family-systems work: for couples and families navigating addiction together.

Professional Substance Use Assessments

We provide formal, objective substance use assessments for individuals requiring professional evaluation ,whether self-referred, employer-required, or court-ordered. Our team includes qualified service providers who specialize in assessing and treating substance use disorders, ensuring you receive an accurate understanding of your needs and a clear, personalized roadmap for treatment.

Alcohol use and Substance use (cannabis, opioids, stimulants, prescription misuse).
Process addictions such as internet/gaming, sex, gambling.

Chronic relapse and harm-reduction approaches.
Co-occurring concerns and dual-diagnosis presentations.

Return-To-Duty Services

Independent case management: third-party oversight to ensure fairness.
Regulatory compliance: meeting organizational and industry safety standards.
Collaborative reintegration: streamlining the process to promote recovery

We offer specialized return-to-duty services for employees and employers dealing with substance use issues identified through self-disclosure or testing programs. Our services are designed to facilitate safe, efficient reintegration into the workplace.

If you're an employer or HR leader and want to discuss a referral, contact us.

Addiction Counselling & Therapy

Individual addiction therapy and alcohol counselling at OWL provide a safe space to explore triggers, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. We work collaboratively to reduce shame, increase self-compassion, and empower you to make intentional choices aligned with your values and long-term well-being.

We work with:

Alcohol use and Substance use (cannabis, opioids, stimulants, prescription misuse).
Process addictions such as internet/gaming, sex, gambling.
Chronic relapse and harm-reduction approaches.
Co-occurring concerns and dual-diagnosis presentations.

Support for Families & Loved Ones

If someone you love is struggling, the emotional toll can be immense. We help supporters with boundary-setting, loving detachment, and sustainable self-care. Macrina Perron leads this specialty. We also run a rotating Family Members of Loved Ones with Addiction group, see Group Therapy for dates

NIHB & MNO Registered Services

We are proud registered providers with the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), and the IRS-RHSP. For eligible First Nations, Inuit, and Métis clients, support can be funded. Mention these on your consultation.

Expert Credentials You Can Trust

Our addiction specialists hold advanced certifications, reflecting our commitment to high standards of care. Team credentials include:

ICADC & CCS-AC — International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor & Clinical Supervisor (Aaron Sinclair).
CACCF, CRPO & OCSWSSW — certifications and regulatory bodies for clinical excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Many clients arrive ambivalent. That’s a normal place to start. We’ll meet you there.
Only if you want to. We support abstinence-based, harm-reduction, and moderation approaches.
Yes. Assessments are stand-alone services with clear recommendations.