Addiction Services

Do you think you might have an addiction problem with opioids (prescribed or not)?

Do you want help managing your opioid addiction?

Our objective is to help you reduce the harm caused by opioids through:

• Support and counselling;
• Individual and group services;
• Disease education and prevention programs;
• Support accessing other services offered in the community;
• Methadone/suboxone maintenance treatment: Someone with an addiction can choose to take or not take methadone/suboxone.

Opioids are prescribed to ease pain. Someone who takes an opioid will feel relaxed and may feel euphoric.

People also take them recreationally to have fun, to try new experiences or try to escape their problems and depression.

Unfortunately, opioids are highly addictive. After a certain period of time, their effect diminishes and there is a temptation to increase the dose. Users think they can stop when they want to but when they try, they feel so bad that they become obsessed and start consuming again. They end up spending all their time and energy trying to get more.

Here are the services available

Outpatient services

• Outpatient referrals
• Outpatient referrals for people suffering from opioid addiction and mental and physical health problems

Residential services

• Residential addiction services
• Short-term residential program

Mobile crisis response services

The opioid addiction services team is made up of the following members:

• Social workers;
• Nurses;
• Workers;
• Doctors.

If you need help, you can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A social worker or nurse will assess your situation and needs and may suggest outpatient follow-up services or other services.

Outpatient follow-up services

A social worker or nurse will help you prepare a recovery plan based on your priorities and choices.

This recovery plan may include the following:

• Individual, couple, family or group sessions for people with addictions – attending in person or by telephone as needed;
• Group therapy;
• A plan to stop or reduce your consumption (harm reduction);
• Admission to detox.

Who can request our services?

• The person suffering from an addiction;
• A family member;
• A neighbour or friend;
• An employer;
• Professionals working with people who have addictions.

Detox

Four centres offer residential care to help people:

• Treat their addiction in a safe space;
• Change their self-destructive behaviour;
• Start building a healthier lifestyle;
• Prepare their return home.

Admission is voluntary. An individual can end their treatment at any time. They are not held against their will.

During their stay, an individual receives support, attends educational sessions, and undergoes medical and psychosocial assessments. Natural methods and medications are used to ease withdrawal. An outside yard is available to encourage people to get fresh air and do exercise outside.

The length of an individual’s stay is determined based on their needs. An individual may stay for a few days or a few weeks.

Relapse prevention

An individual who has already been in detox but who fears relapsing may ask to be admitted for a short stay.

During their stay, the team supports them in avoiding a relapse.

Services to family members

The following services are offered to the partners, children, parents and friends of an individual suffering from addiction problems:

• Individual outpatient consultations for the individual’s partner, children, parents and friends;
• Family therapy;
• Free and confidential services.

What are the goals of detox?

• Eliminate the substances that have been consumed;
• Allow the body to adjust and to recover from abuse;
• Help the person recover.

What are the risks associated with withdrawal?

• Irritability, anxiety and tremors are the most common symptoms of withdrawal.
• Staff monitor an individual’s withdrawal process and provide medical care during their stay.

Is an individual “cured” after their stay in detox?

The first step in recovery is to eliminate from the body the substance that have been consumed. However, even if the body no longer contains these substances, the craving to consume may remain quite present.

During their stay, an individual will participate in educational sessions that provide tools to remain clean and avoid relapses. These sessions may include:

• Consultations;
• Group sessions;
• Introduction to self-help groups (NA/AA).
• The recovery process involves daily effort.

Should you worry if an individual talks about having cravings after they finish detox?

Some people experience cravings. This is normal during withdrawal as well as recovery.

Cravings last 20 to 30 minutes. They can be controlled through natural techniques such as:

• Taking a walk;
• Taking a relaxing bath;
• Meditating;
• Focusing the mind on other things.

Can I call an individual in detox?

The individual cannot make or receive telephone calls during their stay. However, if the individual agrees, you can call the staff, who will answer your questions and address your concerns 24/7.

Can an individual in detox have visitors?

Visitors are not allowed.

Can an individual in detox end their treatment?

Yes. Admission is voluntary. An individual can end their treatment at any time.

Can an individual have their detox stay terminated?

Most individuals complete their stay as recommended.

However, an individual who does not follow the rules could have their stay terminated before they have completed detox. Such a situation would be necessary to maintain an environment that is healthy, safe and supportive of recovery.

What personal effects can be brought for a detox stay?

The individual may bring comfortable clothing. Valuables are not recommended.

All bags and personal effects are checked at admission.