It is no secret that opioid addiction rates are on the rise all over North America. In response, treatment for opioid use disorder is becoming more and more available. However, there are still many people who do not know how this treatment works or where to find it. In this blog post, we will discuss how to get help with opioid addiction and the different types of treatments available in Canada.
Opioids in Canada: An Overview
Canada is in the midst of an opioid crisis. According to the latest data from Health Canada, there were 30,843 opioid-related deaths from 2016 to 2022. The majority of these deaths were accidental and involved fentanyl or other illicit drugs. However, prescription opioids are also a major problem. In 2018, there were 4.6 million prescriptions for opioids written in Canada. Opioids are potent drugs that can be very addictive, and as the number of prescriptions has increased, so too has the number of people struggling with addiction.
The Canadian government is taking steps to address the opioid crisis, but it will take time to turn the tide. In the meantime, both doctors and patients need to be aware of the risks associated with opioids.
How Opioids Work in the Body
Opioids are typically used to treat moderate to severe pain, but they can also be used to treat cough and diarrhea. Side effects of opioids can include:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Respiratory Depression
In high doses, opioids can lead to coma and death. Opioids work by interacting with the body’s natural pain-relieving systems. Normally, when the body experiences pain, it releases chemicals called endorphins.
Endorphins bind to opioid receptors and help to decrease the perception of pain. Opioids mimic the effects of endorphins by binding to the same receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This interaction produces feelings of euphoria and analgesia, which is why opioids are often abused for their recreational effects.
Opioids also slow down breathing, which can be dangerous in high doses. When taken as prescribed, opioids can be a safe and effective way to manage pain. However, because of their potential for abuse and addiction, opioids should only be used as directed by a healthcare provider.
Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: FDA-Approved Medications
The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder. These medications work by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for people to abstain from opioids.
Methadone and buprenorphine are the most well-known FDA-approved medications for treating opioid use disorder. Both medications are available in generic form and can be taken orally.
Naltrexone is another FDA-approved medication for treating opioid use disorder. It is available in both oral and injectable forms. However, naltrexone must be used in combination with other treatment modalities, such as counselling and behavioural therapy.
Vivitrol is a long-acting injectable form of naltrexone that is used once monthly. It is important to note that all of these medications must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.
What Are the Benefits and Limitations of Treatment Programs in Canada
There are several benefits to opioid treatment programs in Canada’s healthcare system. These programs can help to reduce the harms associated with opioids, including overdoses and deaths. They can also help to improve the quality of life for those who are struggling with addiction.
However, there are also several limitations to these programs. One of the biggest limitations is that they only provide treatment to those who are already addicted to opioids. They do not prevent people from becoming addicted in the first place.
Additionally, not all public health systems in Canada have opioid treatment programs available. As a result, not everyone who could benefit from them has access to them. Despite these limitations, opioid treatment programs can still play an important role in reducing the negative effects of opioids on individuals and communities.
Let’s take a closer look at some other limitations, as well as some benefits.
Limitations
One of the key issues facing opioid treatment programs in Canada is a lack of provincial policies. This means that there is no consistent approach to managing these programs, and as a result, they can vary significantly in terms of quality and effectiveness.
Another issue is a lack of information. Many Canadians are simply not aware of these programs, and as a result, they may not be able to access them.
There is also a problem with long waiting times. Many programs have long waitlists, and this can deter people from seeking help and receiving treatment when they need it most.
Additionally, access to these programs can be limited. In some cases, patients may need to travel long distances to receive treatment.
Finally, there is a lack of professionally trained staff. Many programs are understaffed, and this can lead to suboptimal care. Because of this, having to visit multiple public addiction treatment centres may be necessary.
Benefits
There are, however, some benefits to the treatment programs in Canada.
One of these is that Canada offers both public and private addiction treatment options making addiction treatment options available to even more people.
For those who do not have the financial ability to go to a private treatment centre, certain aspects of treatment, if not every aspect of treatment can sometimes be free or covered by provincial health care benefits.
Additionally, both private and public addiction rehab centres can provide a sense of community for those who are struggling with addiction. They can also help to connect people with other resources, such as housing and employment.
Finally, treatment programs in Canada can offer hope to those who are struggling with addiction. They can help people to see that recovery is possible and that there is help available.
The Benefits of a Private Addiction Treatment Centre
If you’re exploring private addiction rehab options, there are a few added benefits to private addiction treatment centres that might be of importance to you.
With private addiction treatment centres, long waiting times aren’t an issue and will often provide clients with access to the best quality of care. Usually, private treatment centres are more accessible as there will be more locations spread across Canada.
In addition to being more readily accessible, private addiction rehab centres tend to be more discrete and protective of personal information. For those wanting to keep a low profile, this is usually non-negotiable.
Lastly, public addiction treatment programs tend to have limited resources and partnerships and often rely on other publicly offered programs. Private addiction treatment programs like the ones we offer at Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health, will often partner and develop a more reliable network of healthcare service providers for internal and external client support.
Administration of Medications in Rehab Centers: How Treatment Works In Canada
In Canada, the administration of medications in rehab centres is regulated by Health Canada. The regulation of medication use is important to ensure the safety and efficacy of treatments, and to prevent the abuse of drugs.
Opioid treatment is one type of treatment that is regulated by Health Canada. Opioid treatment involves the use of medications to relieve pain and improve quality of life. Medications used in opioid treatment include:
- Suboxone
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
These medications are typically administered by a doctor or nurse in a rehab centre. The dosage and frequency of administration are individualized based on the needs of the patient. Opioid treatment can be an effective way to manage pain and improve the quality of life for patients in rehab centres.
What Is the Best Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what is the best treatment for opioid use disorder. The most effective approach depends on a variety of factors, including:
- The severity of the addiction
- The presence of co-occurring mental health disorders
- The individual’s response to different medications and psychosocial interventions
In general, however, most experts agree that a combination of medication and psychosocial support is the most effective way to treat opioid addiction.
Medications such as methadone and buprenorphine help to reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms, while psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can address the underlying causes of addiction and help prevent relapse.
Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to help the individual regain control over their life and reach a state of recovery.
How to Get Help With Opioid Addiction
While it is not always easy to find help for opioid addiction, there are many resources available in Canada. For starters, Health Canada provides a 24-hour hotline that can connect you with treatment options and other services.
You can also visit the website of the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, which offers a searchable directory of addiction treatment providers.
In addition, many provinces and territories offer specialized programs and services for people struggling with opioid addiction. For example, Ontario has a dedicated website that provides information on where to get help, and Alberta offers a toll-free line that provides 24/7 support.
Where to Get Help in Canada: Treatment Programs for Opioid Use Disorder
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the pandemic saw an increase of 91% in deaths related to opioid addiction. Getting help for opioid addiction is crucial to prevent further opioid-related harms. Importantly, many treatment programs are available across the country to provide the support and care needed for you or your loved one to overcome addiction.
For those struggling with opioid addiction in the GTA and surrounding areas, Simcoe Addictions and Mental Health’s programming can help. Our treatment facility is located in Innisfil, Ontario and offers a wide range of supportive services, including:
- Opioid Detoxification
- Counselling
- Medication-assisted treatment
The goal of the program is to help patients achieve and maintain sobriety.
A Closer Look at Simcoe Rehab and Our Treatment Plans for Opioid Use Disorder
One of the key components of our treatment plan for people wanting to overcome opioid use disorder at Simcoe Rehab is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This approach uses a combination of medications and behavioural therapies to treat addiction. The medications used in MAT help to reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms, while behavioural therapies address the underlying causes of addiction and help prevent relapse.
However, we also offer programs for the aftercare and transitional period. Studies show that treatment is most successful when it is followed by aftercare and support. That’s why Simcoe Addictions and Mental Health offers several programs and services to help patients transition back into society and maintain their sobriety. These programs include sober living housing, job readiness training, and continuing care planning.
Steps to Take If Your Loved One Needs Treatment for Opioid Addiction
If you have a loved one who is struggling with opioid addiction, it’s important to get them the help they need. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Understand that Addiction Is a Disease
The first step in helping a loved one with opioid addiction is to understand that addiction is a disease. Just like any other disease, addiction requires treatment. There is no shame in seeking help for addiction, and it is important to remember that addiction is not a choice.
2. Educate Yourself on Available Treatments
There are many different treatment options available, and it is important to find the one that is right for your loved one. For example, there are both medication-based and non-medication-based treatments available.
3. Find a Treatment Center
Once you have decided on the best course of treatment, the next step is to find a treatment centre. There are many different types of treatment centres, so it is important to find one that will meet your loved one’s specific needs.
4. Help Your Loved One Through the Detox Process
Detoxification is an important step in the treatment process, and it is often best done in a professional setting such as a treatment centre. However, if your loved one chooses to detox at home, make sure to offer support and consult a medical professional.
5. Be Supportive During Treatment and Aftercare
Addiction treatment is not easy, and it will require a lot of hard work and dedication from both you and your loved one. Aftercare is also an important part of the process, and it is important to be supportive during this time as well.
Opioid Rehab Program: Get Help Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, don’t wait to get help. Contact Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health today. We can support you by providing a wide range of services and treatments you need to overcome opioid use disorder and achieve sobriety.
