A glass after work
Saeed lives alone in England and drank after work to escape loneliness. Slowly one glass became several. With his doctor and his therapist he made a plan to cut down, and in sessions he learned to fill his evenings differently.
Issues & Conditions
Addiction and Substance Use: Therapy with a Persian-Speaking Therapist
Substance misuse is when alcohol, drugs, sedatives or stimulants gradually take up more space in life and harm health, work, relationships or peace of mind. Many people start with "just to relax" and later find that stopping is harder than they expected.
After migration, loneliness, stress, unemployment or old wounds can increase use. Shame and fear of community judgement often mean help is sought late. If you are worried about your own use or that of someone you love, talking about it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Who may it suit?
- You use more than you intend, or cutting down is hard
- You turn to substances to cope with stress, sadness or loneliness
- Use has harmed your work, family or relationships
- You have stopped or cut down and want to prevent relapse
- You are worried about a loved one's use and do not know what to do
Something else may fit better if…
- Stopping alcohol or certain medications and drugs suddenly can be dangerous; always quit or cut down under medical supervision
- In case of overdose, seizures, hallucinations, severe confusion or thoughts of self-harm, contact emergency services immediately
- If dependence is severe, a specialist treatment programme or inpatient care may be needed first, with online therapy as a complement
How does it work?
Therapy starts without judgement: what role substances play in your life, what they soothe and what they cost. An approach such as motivational interviewing helps you see your motivations and doubts more clearly and set your own goal, whether cutting down or stopping completely.
Cognitive behavioural therapy and relapse prevention are also common: recognising high-risk situations, managing cravings, finding new ways to cope with emotions and building a support network.
Often anxiety, depression or painful experiences lie beneath the use, and therapy addresses those too. Therapy can continue alongside medical care, support groups or specialist programmes.
What to expect in online sessions
Sessions are online, in Persian and confidential, so you can get help without worrying about being seen in a small diaspora community. At the start, your therapist asks about your pattern of use and your health, so that any need for medical care can be discussed with you.
Changing use is often gradual, and for many people a slip is part of the journey, not the end of it. Many work with a therapist for several months or longer.
Examples
Examples are fictional and illustrative.
Worried about a brother
Fatemeh was worried about her brother's drug use, and every conversation ended in a fight. In therapy she learned how to talk to him without blame and to look after herself too.
Preventing relapse
Ramin had stopped using months earlier, but cravings returned in stressful situations. With his therapist he identified his high-risk moments and had a plan for each one.
Therapists experienced in Substance Use
These therapists list this on their profile. All sessions are online and in Persian.
Frequently asked questions
Can I quit through online therapy?
Therapy can be an important part of the journey, but stopping some substances, such as alcohol or sedatives, should be done under medical supervision because sudden withdrawal can be dangerous.
What if I do not want to stop completely?
Your therapist will not impose a goal. Many people start by aiming to cut down, and the therapist helps you make an informed and safe decision.
Will my substance use stay confidential?
Yes. What you share in sessions is confidential and is not passed to family, employers or your community, except in rare cases of serious risk to someone's life.
When should I get urgent medical help?
If you have severe shaking, seizures, hallucinations, confusion or signs of overdose, or thoughts of harming yourself, contact emergency services immediately.
This page is general information and does not replace a professional assessment. If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact your local emergency services. Urgent help