The first step in finding a drug rehab in Ontario is assessing the individual’s required care, which is detailed below.
An assessment occurs before admission to a funded or private addiction treatment service. Usually, a detox centre, a residential rehab or an outpatient program will do this evaluation.
The type of treatment program most likely to resonate with the person is important. Their willingness to participate in a recovery program that matches their outlook makes success much greater.
Public Access for Addiction Treatment in Ontario
First, here are a few resources for funded services in Ontario.
Addiction Services Cornwall
850 McConnell Avenue, Cornwall
Telephone: 613-361-6363
They offer weekly or biweekly individual sessions to individuals concerned with their use of drugs and alcohol. Services include assessment, therapy, referral, follow-up, and relapse prevention.
Renascent Inpatient Treatment
38 Isabella Street, Toronto
Telephone: 1-866-232-1212
An evidence-based approach using an abstinence-based model.
They offer comprehensive, intensive, person-centred addiction treatment programs in safe, caring, home-like residential treatment centres.
Jean Tweed Treatment Centre
215 Evans Ave., Toronto
Phone: 1.416.255.7359
The centre provides treatment, support and a safe place for women seeking to overcome substance use, gambling and mental health challenges.
The residential program is a holistic 3-week program for women 16+ living outside the GTA region.
Empathy House of Recovery
360 Sunnyside Ave.
Ottawa, Ontario
Phone: 1.613.730.7319
They provide a safe, women-centred, evidence-based, trauma-informed, individualized treatment program for women whose primary problem is substance addiction.
The program is for 18+, and the length is 3 – 12 months
Teen Challenge
Teen Challenge has three drug rehab centres in Ontario. Although its name says “Teen,” it serves adults. Find details here.
The person must be willing to consider a faith-based approach and be 18 + in age. Teen Challenge has nine centres across Canada, three of which are in Ontario.
Ottawa Withdrawal Management Center
(Monfort Renaissance)
1777 Montréal Road, Ottawa
Phone: 613.241.1525
Offers voluntary services for individuals aged 16 and older seeking help to stop alcohol or drug use.
This service is suitable for those experiencing intoxication or withdrawal symptoms or facing a substance use crisis.
Detox Centre – Sault Ste. Marie
911 Queen Street E, Sault Ste. Marie
Phone: 705.942.1872
A short-term service that offers a supportive and safe environment for individuals aged 16 and older who are experiencing substance withdrawal, are intoxicated, or are seeking assistance with relapse prevention.
Center of Hope
Withdrawal Management Center
281 Wellington Street
London, Ontario
(519) 432-7241
A non-medical facility that offers a safe and friendly space for those experiencing a crisis due to substance withdrawal.
Clients receive support from a professionally trained team in a comfortable residential setting during their stay.
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.
More on Addiction Services in Ontario
To access more options, please consult our Provincial Help page with coordinates for your area. You can also visit this page for drug rehabs in Ontario.
On Funded Services
Public access programs can be a good option for some individuals while posing challenges for others. Unfortunately, services funded by the government often have a waiting period.
Also, when looking for government services, the recommendation is to ask about their detox service. Some centres have in-house detox, and others don’t. It is a crucial point to investigate. Facilities not providing detox services may collaborate with detox programs, ensuring you won’t experience a gap between the two.
If they do not deliver the service and are not affiliated with a withdrawal management facility, you must search for that service with another centre. This aspect is crucial to consider when looking for any drug or alcohol rehab facility.
Moreover, when a facility cannot offer this service, it may require individuals to remain substance-free for several days before admission. For someone facing a severe addiction, sustaining sobriety for an extended period can be quite difficult. This requirement adds to their challenges.
First Step:
Care Level, the Right Recovery Service
Not everyone needs the care level of a residential treatment center. The degree of addiction determines what option is best for the person. When one sees their control slipping away but can still function in everyday affairs, an addiction counsellor or a day or evening program can be enough to help. They won’t necessarily need detox as a first step.
However, a person with a longstanding and severe addiction could need a long-term residential program in a drug rehab in Ontario. And the person may require a medically supervised detox. For example, a person who drinks 30 ounces of alcohol every day who stops abruptly may risk going into DTs and putting their life in jeopardy.
Usually, when you call a facility, they start with an assessment to determine the required care level and see if they can provide it.
But to streamline your search, we recommend reading the following articles:
Addiction Treatment Services Found in Ontario
1. Detox: regular non-medically assisted withdrawal
Regular detox is a method in which the person will enter a live-in program to stop using their particular drug of choice. In most cases, the person receives daily interviews to encourage them through their detox and seek further help. This type of detox will generally take between 3 to 10 days.
2. Medical Detox
Medically assisted for people with health issues or substances requiring medical tapering. Such drugs as Methadone, “Benzo” type medications, and other pain suppressant. Also, a combination of drugs or alcohol addiction may require monitoring to avoid seizures and other complications.
3. Addiction Counselling or Outpatient Programs
Whether a person is a perfect candidate for an outpatient program or addiction counselling depends on a few things. First, the type of substance being abused. Second, the amount used is of concern, and third, the frequency in which it is used. In other words, the severity of the addiction plays a big role.
4. Inpatient Treatments
(residential, long, and short-term rehabs)
Drug rehabs in Ontario also provide residential programs, which are a structured environment where individuals live on-site and receive comprehensive treatment. In short-term treatment, the centre delivers a 21 to 30-day program. And a “long-term” begins at eight weeks, and some can be up to a year or two. Most will provide one-on-one and group counselling.
Second Step: The Right Treatment Method for the Person
When choosing an addiction treatment program, you should consider the person’s opinions and beliefs (Excluding the lifestyle of an addicted person.)
The method used by the drug rehab centre should make sense to the person and coincide with their beliefs and life philosophy. A relatable program is more effective. At the same time, it should address their care level and needs.
There is a wide range of treatment methods, such as 12-step programs, cognitive behavioural therapy, and faith-based approaches.
Recommended reading:
How Much Does Rehab Cost in Ontario?
The cost of a drug or alcohol rehab in Ontario varies considerably. It can start from 12,000$ for a 30-day program to more than 50,000$. The price also changes with the length of stay and the amenities offered.
Some centres offer deferred payments or insurance coverage. (If your plan allows for it) It is also possible to get medical loans with lower interest rates.
Does the Cost of a Rehab Guarantee Success?
No, the price differs from one place to another depending on different things. For example, they can offer a luxurious environment and amenities, i.e., a swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, gourmet meals, etc.
The program’s success depends on the person’s honest participation and how they relate to the method used.
Is the Person Ready and Willing to Receive Help?
More often than not, arguments and heated discussions occur when talking to someone about an addiction problem. Many family members have tried tackling the subject with little or no results.
Drug Rehab in Ontario: Bringing up the Subject
How do you talk about it? How do you get the person willing to speak with you?
Maybe you’re afraid to bring the subject up. You should talk about it to the person either way.
Recommended reading:
In extreme cases, one should think of intervention. When the addiction is life-threatening, seeking a professional interventionist is recommended.
The professional will help coordinate and keep things running smoothly. They ensure that anger and finger-pointing stay in check and everyone remains respectful and effective. Their ultimate goal is to get the person to see they need addiction treatment.
Do You Need Further Help?
If you need further help searching for a private drug rehab in Ontario, call us. Our services are completely free. As independent referral counsellors, we’ve helped countless individuals across Ontario find the right program for their needs and provide help across Canada.
Our Process
When you call, we will start with an assessment to determine the level of care needed. The referral counsellor answering your call will suggest the best facility or options.
When there is an agreement, the counsellor will have the chosen centre call you. At this point, you can ask the centre any questions, and if all is good, the facility will prepare admission. If it isn’t “all good,” we invite you to call us back so we may find another place.
We usually make a courtesy call a few days after to make sure of your satisfaction.
