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ADDICTION ASSISTANCE ON LINE BY MICHAEL POWER Staff Writer An online course has been launched to help people deal with addictions, even if they can't immediately start a treatment program. "Iv'he coulse, called the All-Addictions Life Recovery Program is run by Stouflville mar- riage and family therapist Paul Radkowski. Although the course is available to any- one with an addiction, it can be especially beneficial for those waiting to get into a full- time treatment program, he said. Sometimes, beofile sit on waiting lists for as much as six months, he explained. Break your nasty drug, alcohol, anger or shopping habit with Stouflyille-based onlirze recovery program ‘There’s a greater demand than there is supply. I’ve created this program to bridge the gap of people waiting.’ “lt’s outrageous," Mr. Radkowski said, not- January Laser Treatment Specials Now is the time to try laser treatment. See for yourself how safe and effective laser can be. Bikini or underarms $ 79 (reg $150) Microdermabrasion $ 99 (reg $175) Facial Veins I Sun Damage IPL $179 (reg $350) Spam? E; . (EEK 15...,FNEE ing treatment can cost thousands of dollars. "‘There’s a greater demand than there is supply. I’ve created this program to bridge the gap of people waiting." ‘ Those who have had addiction treatment mandated by the courts -â€" but aren’t imme- diately able to access a program -â€" can get started through Mr. Radkowski’s program. . The program is not meant to replace full- time treatment and those who might harm themselves or others should seek immediate help, he said. Mr. Radkowski, also a trauma special- ist and crisis counsellor, works across York Region at trauma situations such as accidents. He has also worked in the Northwest Ter- ritories developing addictions programs. Addiction is behaviour considered to have destructive consequences, that a per- son can’t stop, he said. That can include taking drugs and alco- hol, but also behaviours such as gambling, shopping, surfing the internet, self-cutting, overeating or even anger. Aesthetics Specials Pedicures Facials Body Treatments 25% off for the month of January The program uses cognitive behavioral therapy to change a person's beliefs. The therapy works on the notion every- one has thoughts and beliefs about themâ€" selves and the world. It strives to make people conscious of those beliefs, which can often be negative. That allows people to control how they think about the world rather than be hijacked by negative thoughts. Those using the program view 45-minute online videos. The program has several steps and the modules are incremental. The first three months of the pmgram set the foundation for the course, Mr. Radkowski Manicures Waxing Visit www. liferecoveryprogram.com for more information on the program. ’articipams deal with issues such as We clear acne ' The lsolaz is a breakthrough aesthetic platform using painless, light-based treatment. No pain, no drugs, and results are immediately noticeable and proven to significantly decrease “breakouts”. Call today for a no-obligation consultation PHOTO ILLUSTRATION/DAVE STELL Stoufli'ifle Sun-'I'ribunel Saturday, Ian. 19, 2008 destructive beliefs they may harbour about themselves and alternative ways to cope with addictive behaviours. The program also features sections addressing the needs of loved ones of those with addictions. Participants can receive regular support through e-mail for up to six months after they complete the course. The program is designed to be widely accessible and comes in easy-to-understand language, Mr. Radkowski added. Participants are sent regular e-mails explaining what to do. The program's second half â€"â€" focusing on advanced concepts such as anger pre- vention and relapse management â€" lasts another three months, with the two sections divided into six modules each. plus an intro- ductory module. The threeâ€"month program costs $1 and the six-month session, $295. The program's monthly fee is $59, which is less than the price of a therapy session, Mr. Radkowski said.