Michael Walsh-Substance addiction Coach

My Story

From the outside, I appeared to be living the dream life—big cities, fantastic jobs, and supportive friends.

I was actually leading a double life, and finally the sheen faded.

It was just a matter of time until the bottom fell out of my messy life. After pursuing lucrative occupations driven by heavy drug and alcohol consumption, I ultimately had to decide whether to continue on my destructive road of self-destruction and remain sober long enough to have my next drink and line of cocaine, or to sober up, take charge of my life, and start again. That was Michael from before.

I offer specialized treatments for substance abuse and addiction to people who are prepared to make a bigger impact on their lives.

I deal with government organizations, insurance companies, small-to medium-sized businesses, families, inpatient treatment facilities, providers of occupational health and disability benefits, and people.

I have the good fortune to reside in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, on Vancouver Island, one of the most stunning islands in the world. Through my profession, I interact with clients who live on Vancouver Island as well as those who are spread out across Canada and a number of other nations.

Depending on the city, I work with clients in person or by video conference (FaceTime or Zoom), phone, text, and email.

My first job in this industry, which I truly enjoyed, was working for the Victoria Cool Aid Society as a non-profit before I started this firm. In addition, I managed hundreds of psycho-educational support groups while working in several substance abuse and addiction facilities for Island Health in Victoria, including the Sobering Center, Community Medical Detox, Stabilization, and The Grove Men's Sober Living Residence.

I received my certification as a recovery coach from Crossroads Recovery Coaching Training in the USA and Still Here Recovery Coach Training in White Rock, British Columbia.

Some of the greatest in the field have trained me, including Board-certified American Interventionists Brad Lamm (through Change, Inc. and the training I most align with), Patricia Pike (through her company Board-certified American Interventionists), and Earl Hightower (through his company Hightower and Associates).

I work with Bob Marier of Hired Sobriety as an associate, and he oversees some of the interventions I carry out in Canada.

As the executive director of Home Based Recovery Canada, Inc., which I co-founded, I oversee an online addiction treatment program that combines psycho-educational and skill-building content with recovery coaching, all provided by a reputable multidisciplinary team comprising addiction medicine doctors, psychologists, recovery coaches, and counselors.

I can also speak from personal experience when it comes to substance abuse, addiction, and effective recovery. My own journey of recovery has influenced the way I work with clients; I am incredibly accepting of the ways in which people decide to make changes in this area of their lives.

As a substance use and addictions professional, I have assisted hundreds of individuals at different phases of their recovery and transformation.

All you need to do to begin going is reach out.

I was there once. I've experienced it before. I can assist.