When substance abuse or a damaging behaviour occupies a central place in a person’s life, that person is addicted. Addicts spend most of their time, energy, and money on their addiction. Alcohol, tobacco, medications, or drug use is regular, predictable, and usually frequent.
Addicts no longer have control over their substance abuse or damaging behaviour. They engage in it even if it causes family, financial, legal, or other problems.
Edmond R. Ratelle, RSW, CH, is a skilled therapist and hypnotist. He is sensitive and compassionate, yet he has also been described as street-wise. Ed has an extensive and successful history of working with people to heal life's hurts. A social worker by training, he is a graduate of the Social Work program at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario, and is registered for professional practice in his home province of PEI with the PEI Social Work Registration Board and is a member of the PEI Association of Social Workers as well.