Addiction Support in Canada’s Largest City
Toronto is home to some of the most extensive addiction services in the country, but navigating them can be overwhelming. From large hospitals and community-based clinics to harm reduction programs and private treatment centres, there are many paths to recovery, and each person’s journey is different.
Whether you’re looking for a detox program in downtown Toronto, outpatient counselling in Scarborough, or a private rehab facility outside the GTA, our referral advisors can help you find services that fit your needs, budget, and timeline. All conversations are confidential and pressure-free.
Public Addiction Treatments Toronto
Renascent Inpatient Treatment
Toronto, Ontario
Phone: 1-866-232-1212
Evidence-based approach using an abstinence-based model. Offering comprehensive, intensive, person-centred addiction treatment programs in a safe, caring, home-like residential centres.
Jean Tweed Treatment Centre
Toronto, Ontario
Phone: 1 416 255 7359
This not-for-profit community-based organization provides treatment, support and a safe place for women seeking to overcome substance use, gambling and mental health challenges.
211Community Helpline
Phone: 211 or 1 888 340 1001
Website: 211central.ca
You will find a 24-hour information and referral service for addiction treatment and other community resources in Toronto here. Please call them for more information or visit the link provided.
Connex Ontario Health Services Information
Phone: 1 800 565 8603
Website: connexontario.ca
They provide 24-hour information about drug, alcohol, gambling and mental health services in Ontario, including residential drug and alcohol treatment options and wait times.
Metro Addiction Assessment
Referral Service (MAARS)
Phone: 416 599 1448
Website: www.camh.ca
With this service, you can obtain addiction assessment and referrals service for adults. Please call their number or visit their website for more information.
St. Michael’s Hospital,
Coordinated Access to Addiction Services in Toronto
Phone: 1 855 505 5045
Website: unityhealth.to
They provide information and referrals to drug or alcohol rehab in Toronto.
Please contact them for more information on their services or visit their website.
Non-medical Withdrawal Management
Central Access
Phone: 416 864 5040 or 1 866 366 9513
This service connects individuals to withdrawal management services in the Greater Toronto Area. Please call them for more information.
The City of Toronto Initiative on Opioid Deaths
While Vancouver remains the city with the highest opioid deaths, Toronto has seen its fair share of opioid deaths by toxicity and is struggling with a drug toxicity epidemic.
One of the City of Toronto’s initiatives is proclaiming August 31 Overdose Awareness Day. International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is the world’s largest annual initiative to raise awareness and end drug overdoses. The movement brings a global community together to act on overdoses.
The City of Toronto also provides a page on their website to educate people on Naloxone.
Visit this page for statistics in Toronto.
Wait Times for Addiction Treatment in Toronto
Public addiction services in Toronto are in high demand, and wait times for detox or residential rehab can range from several weeks to a few months, depending on the facility and urgency of the case. Outpatient programs and community-based services may offer faster access, especially for those not requiring 24/7 care. For individuals seeking more immediate support, private rehab programs often have availability within days, though they come at a cost not covered by OHIP.
Location and Pricing for Private Rehabs
One can choose drug or alcohol rehab in the private sector. Private facilities are paid-for services.
Ontario has many good private centres. Many of those are in or close to Toronto. Here are a few within an hour of Toronto.
- Centres for Health and Healing in Vaughan
- Renascent Addiction Rehab Centre in Toronto
- Addiction Rehab Toronto in Etobicoke
- Another Road Addiction Recovery in Port Perry
- Freedom from Addiction in Aurora
- UMATTER CARE in Toronto
- Muskoka Recovery in King City
- Trafalgar Addiction Treatment Centre in Erin
Many private addiction treatment centres accept insurance, but you must also ask and verify your insurance coverage.
When using insurance, the prices will vary depending on your deductible and plan coverage. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the centre for more details. Without insurance, the prices are from 13,200 to 35K. The fees specified here are for a month’s stay.
Questions and Answers About Rehabs in Toronto
How can I pay for this service, and can insurance cover the cost?
The preferred method for most centres is to ask for full payment upon intake. There are other ways you can pay for a rehab in Toronto. One would be through payment plans some centres offer that possibility. Another is a loan through a company like Medicard, which finances treatments, usually at lower interest. However, some insurance plans do cover addiction treatment. You merely have to communicate with your insurer and the facility you chose to see if there is a possibility for this option.
Does paying more for a program give better results?
Not necessarily. The price can be higher because of medical personnel, amenities, or the location and luxury level of the centre. Long-term programs can give better results and are more expensive due to the length. However, a short-term program that is more expensive than another will not necessarily provide better results.
Are there outpatient drug and alcohol rehab options?
Yes, certain private treatment centres in Toronto offer outpatient treatment options. Many of the public access facilities do. Calling the centre and asking if they provide outpatient treatment programs would be a great way for you to start.
What qualifications should I look for in a drug rehab?
The type of program they deliver is important. An addicted person will do better when they can relate to the centre’s teachings and philosophy. For example, some use cognitive behavioural therapy, while others may use Christian Faith in rehabilitation.
Another qualification one can look for is staff experience. Are the staff composed of people who have successfully recovered from their own addiction? Diplomas are necessary but do not replace life experience and insight into the unique mindset of a person abusing substances.
A well-rounded program will have extracurricular activities. A centre that extends a person’s horizon by experiencing different activities prepares the individual to live drug-free. Most Toronto drug rehab centres have this covered.
A program should have an aftercare support system. Going through a program is not an end-all. Life after treatment may not always be smooth going, and one does require a support network.
Lastly, it is best to have nurses and doctors available if you have a medical situation.
Drug and Alcohol Rehab Toronto
More information to help you:
- The dos and don’ts of How to approach someone.
- Supporting a Loved One Struggling with Addiction.
- What is an Enabler
- More on Toronto addiction recovery services.
Additional Help in Ontario
Do you want a service elsewhere? Here’s a link you might find useful:
Marc J. Bernard
Author,
Substance Use Disorder & Recovery Professional,
Referral & Consultation Counsellor
Ontario Cities
If you want a public-access bed, here is another place you can go to ConnexOntario.ca. To get support about someone else’s drinking, visit Al-Anon Ontario to find a meeting close to you.
