Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs Available in Canada

Methods of Treatments

There are many types of programs to recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol. The most recognized is the 12-step program (AA or NA). There are various other approaches not so common. Below, you will find some of these other methods. Having a variety of rehabilitation processes is important. With diverse people from all walks of life and philosophies, one single treatment procedure couldn’t work for everybody.

Recovering from addiction is not just a question of abstinence for several days. It is much, much more than that. A person caught in the turmoil of substance abuse needs to examine their lives and the reasons behind their substance misuse. The individual’s needs, specific problems, and beliefs need consideration in choosing a rehabilitation program. There are, however, some addiction treatment programs that are known to give better results.

Below are some of these methods. There are more than this, but these are the better-known forms. Please remember that the public access recovery programs will not deliver most of these.

Medical detox

In cases where the person has taken certain prescription drugs in combination with illicit drugs or alcohol over short or long periods, they may require 24-hour medical supervision for several days to wean off the chemicals carefully. Doing it “cold turkey” for certain drugs and, in certain circumstances, alcohol could put the individual’s life in danger. This is done before the rehabilitation program as such can start. It also has much to do with a person’s physical condition.

Drugs like Methadone, “Benzo” type medications, Morphine, Oxycontin, Percocet, and other pain suppressant drugs alone or in combination may require blood pressure and heart monitoring to avoid seizures and other complications. Medical detox can often be used for people with heavy or long-term alcohol abuse. Medical detox is a step that some people can not bypass.

Residential Treatment

Many addiction treatment centres consider “long-term” to begin at two months and can be as long as two years. Residential means the individual stays on the premises 24/7.

These programs often include daily chores in a community atmosphere where each member contributes to the group. Another type has a schedule similar to school or college, with morning, afternoon, and evening studies and group or individual counselling.

Outpatient programs/counselling

Outpatient is just that; the person does not stay at the facility but at home and goes to the centre where services are delivered. The person must show up at various counselling sessions and group meetings.

Most are public access programs and can assist someone with a very hectic lifestyle and responsibilities who cannot free up time for residential rehab.

There are also some one-on-one addiction counsellors. A person can consult with a set schedule each week. This approach works best with people who haven’t lost total control of their usage or, in other words, light addiction cases.

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Online Addiction Recovery Coaching

Generally, there are two weekly sessions for one hour or so, depending on the topic. A schedule of steps is programmed for each person to increase confidence, awareness, and control.

It is done remotely through videoconferencing in the comfort of your home. However, it is not for everybody. After an assessment, the coach determines if the person qualifies for this service.

Holistic Drug Rehab

In history, holistic medicine dates back to Hippocrates in 300-400 BC. It has seen a recent growth in popularity in North America since the mid-70s. Holistic medicine can be used to clear acne, relieve the common cold, remedy ulcers, and treat many other ailments, including as a method of alcohol and drug rehabilitation.

Twelve steps methods

In the mid-1930s, two men with a drinking problem adopted a formula for self-improvement from the Oxford Group’s religious movement. This was the start of Alcoholics Anonymous. Centres often use the twelve-step program (Or procedure) in conjunction with their drug rehabilitation program. It is also applicable to other addictions or compulsive behaviour, such as gambling, eating disorders, etc. Many facilities will use some form of 12-step with their techniques for dealing with substance abuse.

The 12-step approach can be either in-patient or out-patient, depending on the treatment centre. Much of the 12-step philosophy involves reaching out to a higher power for strength to overcome one’s addiction and performing a self-inventory. You can read more on the 12-step treatment approach.

Biophysical Treatment

The word biophysical addresses the physical aspect of drug addiction. This step is, in fact, viewed by many rehab centres as a vital and necessary part of recovery from substance abuse. Many bio-physical treatments include exercise, nutritional supplements, and some use a sauna sweating step.

In all biophysical treatments, the concept of helping someone overcome addiction is ridding the drugs from the body. This method eliminates and addresses the effect of the substance by different means depending on the approach.

Consult with one of our counsellors to get the best possible approach to your drug or alcohol problem.

Regular detox program (non-medical)

Regular detox is a method by which a person stops using their particular drug of choice. In most cases, the person receives a daily interview to see how they are doing. The personnel will often encourage them as they go through their detox.

In many centers, the person may get certain medications to assist in their withdrawal symptoms. This type of detox will normally take between 3 and 10 days. More on this treatment here.

Cognitive-behavioural treatment (CBT)

The goal of the cognitive method is to overcome addiction by changing the person’s habits and viewpoints. Through various exercises and educational means, the addicted person changes their way of thinking. These methods aim to change the person’s behaviour toward drugs and alcohol.

Outpatient and residential programs use this type of approach. Find out more about cognitive-behavioural therapy.

Drug Rehab and Their Different Settings

There are different settings in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. You can find small groups with intimate family like settings to bigger institutional ones. Some are gender-specific, as well as for the LGBT community. Below are a few of these.

Home Detox: (Anyone on prescription medication should consult their physician first.) A sudden stop of some mind-altering substances can have severe medical consequences. Find out more on detoxing at home here.
Rehabs for Professionals: Some centers offer rehab to professionals or high-profile people. You can read more about this type of rehab here.
Small Rehabs: Facilities catering to a small number of people. Some may have no more than three or four beds, while others may have up to 10. Follow the link to read more about this type of facility.
Women’s only: A professional rehab for women recognizes their special needs. Their experienced staff understands their predicament. Often, women need a new sense of real purpose and value. Get more on rehabs for women here.