About the Services We Offer
DrugAddiction.ca by Addiction Referral & Consultation Services is an independent referral agent and does not represent any particular centre. Here is a brief description of our services.
We recognize that substance abuse comes with social stigma. We believe everyone has the right to get help and that this help should be as immediate as possible. We know that the need for treatment overburdens Health Canada, and there are waitlists like any other service our Healthcare system provides. Unfortunately, some services are more life-threatening than others.
We offer our services to alleviate the burden experienced by some families. We help families achieve their sobriety goals for themselves or a family member. Unfortunately, we cannot change the admission process or length for public access services, but we can assist families in finding affordable solutions.
Our Service in Referral
Finding help can often be difficult when dealing with a loved one’s addiction to mind-altering substances. Unfortunately, you search the internet and find centres telling you their program is the best. You’d expect it from a facility that couldn’t say anything else. This statement can be accurate, but it isn’t absolute in all cases.
Each individual is unique, with a distinctive personality, particular needs, and a personal story. This distinctiveness should always be at the forefront when a person seeks help. Centres have different methods to treat substance abuse; not all of these work for everybody. Find out more here on how referral agents can help.
Choosing the right treatment program is an important step in recovery. When you call, we take the time to listen, and we ask questions to find the best-suited solution. The referral is the first and most important part of our services.
How to Get the Right Program?
When talking to an individual for addiction treatment, we consider several factors, such as
- the length of substance misuse,
- the specific types of drugs used, and
- any underlying medical conditions.
We also take into consideration the person’s lifestyle and goals.
This information helps determine the most suitable treatment approach. It includes whether the person requires a medical detox, short-term or long-term recovery, or a specialized treatment method.
Our Services in Substance Abuse Assessments
A person may need a substance abuse evaluation to satisfy certain demands like;
- Legal requirements,
- Human Resources,
- Employment or
- Qualification in certain areas.
Many different reasons or circumstances can require this document. Our Certified Drug & Alcohol Specialist can provide this service to you. It consists of an interview with questions in specific areas of life. Most assessments take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the person’s circumstances. This service has a fixed rate and is done over the phone.
About Our Service in
Online Addiction Recovery Coaching
Some people struggle with substance use but have not lost control over their lives and everyday affairs. A residential program seems like an overreach to them. Nevertheless, they worry about their drug use, feeling it is somewhat unravelling.
Recognized as social drinkers or recreational drug users, it does not appear to be a problem for the onlooker. But in reality, it is starting to be one for the individual. Wanting greater control over substance use or wanting to be successful at quitting are reasons to consider online coaching sessions.
Our Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist determines if a person qualifies for our online recovery coaching sessions. This service comes in blocks of 15 sessions, each one-hour session twice weekly.
The structured sessions will increase your understanding of cravings, strengthen control, and give you new perspectives. This service is not intended to replace any physician’s advice or a standard residential drug rehabilitation program. Coaching is the latest addition to our services created during the pandemic.
Our Services, in Conclusion
If you would like more in-depth information on any of our services, please give us a call or request a callback. We have been operating since 2013, but we have more than 50 years of experience in substance use disorder and rehabilitation. Meet our team.
Services Offered by DrugAddiction.ca
You’re Not Alone. We Help Canadians Find the Support They Need.
Finding help for substance use can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to navigate it on your own. DrugAddiction.ca is not an addiction treatment centre—we are a free, confidential referral and consultation service that guides you toward safe, trusted rehab, detox, counselling, and coaching options across Canada. Every recommendation is tailored to your needs, your situation, and your level of readiness.
Why Thousands of Canadians Trust DrugAddiction.ca for Rehab Referrals
People come to us during some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives. Our role is to make the next step clear, safe, and manageable. Every referral is grounded in compassion, experience, and careful research.
What sets us apart:
Vetted and trusted rehab partners across Canada
Personal recommendations from a drug and alcohol treatment specialist
Free, confidential guidance with no pressure or judgment
Support before placement, with the treatment centre providing care and follow-up once admitted
Online recovery coaching for individuals and families
A growing library of educational resources, guides, and directories
Staff with both professional training and lived experience
Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone you care about, our team is here to offer clarity and reassurance when it’s needed most.
How Our Free & Confidential Rehab Referral Process Works
Reaching out for help is an important step, and knowing what comes next can make the process less stressful. Our referral service is simple, supportive, and designed to move at your pace.
Step 1
Speak With a Referral Counsellor
You can call, request a callback, or send a message. A trained referral counsellor will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and gather the information needed to understand your situation.
Step 2
Receive a Personalized Match
Based on your needs, preferences, and budget, we recommend trusted treatment options, such as counselling, detox, a family-based setting, or a residential program.
Step 3
Admission Support
If you choose to move forward, we will help coordinate the intake process with the facility to reduce wait times and minimize stress.
Step 4
Follow-Up After Treatment
We stay in touch to ensure quality of care and to understand how each facility performs. This helps us maintain high standards for every referral we make.
Private Rehab & Treatment Options in Canada
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. We help you explore reputable treatment options across Canada, from low-intensity supports to more structured residential programs. Each option is vetted for safety, quality, and transparency.
Counselling and Coaching
Flexible and accessible support from trained professionals.
Stay-at-Home Programs
Structured recovery plans that allow you to remain in your own environment.
Detox Programs
Safe withdrawal management for those needing medical oversight or structured support.
Family-Setting Rehabs
Small, home-like settings offering personalized care.
Long-Term and Short-Term Residential Rehabs
Full-time, structured programs for those needing a focused recovery environment.
We can also refer individuals to women-only facilities, programs for professionals, and high-end private rehabs designed for privacy and comfort.
Learn more about the different types of rehabs in Canada on our rehab types resource page.
Public Rehabs in Canada
Publicly funded rehab options vary widely across provinces and often come with long wait times. Many Canadians find it difficult to access timely treatment, especially when facing urgent or high-risk situations. While DrugAddiction.ca cannot facilitate placement in public programs, we provide clear, reliable information so you can explore every available option.
You can access our national directory of public addiction services in Canada for contact information, program details, and provincial services.
For guidance on choosing between public and private programs, visit our resource on public vs. private rehab options in Canada.
Public Access Services Across Canada
You may be looking for funded services. By following the links of the regions below, you will find local listings for funded addiction services.
Common Questions About Addiction Treatment & Referrals
People often feel unsure or afraid when reaching out for help. Here are some of the questions we hear most frequently, answered with care and clarity. For more, visit our full FAQ page.
How much does it cost to use DrugAddiction.ca referral services?
Our referral and consultation services are completely free. It is part of our commitment to ensuring Canadians can access reliable guidance without financial barriers. Online Recovery Coaching is a paid service, and a counsellor can provide a personalized quote.
How is confidentiality guaranteed?
We follow strict PIPEDA guidelines. Your personal information is kept secure and is only shared with treatment centres when you provide explicit consent. We never sell, rent, or trade your information.
What if we can’t afford rehab?
If private treatment is not possible, we will guide you toward publicly funded services in or near your area, along with other accessible forms of support.
What if there’s no bed available in the program you recommend?
We verify availability and communicate transparently. If a bed isn’t open, we explore alternatives or keep communication active with the facility to secure a placement as soon as possible.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance directly, but many recommended treatment centres may accept specific coverage.
Do you follow up after treatment?
Each facility has its own aftercare program. In addition, we conduct independent follow-ups to ensure the ongoing quality and reliability of the centres we recommend.
Our Team: Real People Helping Real Canadians Overcome Addiction
DrugAddiction.ca was founded in 2013 by a small group of dedicated individuals with personal and professional experience in addiction, mental health, and long-term recovery. Their experience and understanding shape the compassion, honesty, and steady guidance behind every referral conversation.
As an independent, Quebec-based service, our mission is simple: to offer comfort, clarity, and hope to Canadians affected by substance use. Every member of our team brings a combination of training, experience, and heartfelt commitment to helping individuals and families find the right support, without judgment, pressure, or assumptions.
Marc J. Bernard
Referral & Consultation Counsellor, Case Manager, Author & Founder
Marc has worked in the substance-use field since 1998. He served as a director and counsellor’s aide in a private rehabilitation centre for many years, gaining extensive experience in supporting individuals through withdrawal, stabilization, and long-term recovery planning. Trained in the U.S. and certified in withdrawal management, detox support, life skills, and case management, Marc has overseen more than 1,000 cases across his career.
Carole Pelland
Advisor, Website Editor/Designer, Author & Founder
Carole spent over twelve years working directly with residents and families in a private substance-use treatment facility. She supported more than a thousand individuals through challenging phases of recovery and played an essential role in improving program quality and treatment standards. Carole is committed to ongoing learning and earned a certificate on The Opioid Crisis in America from Harvard University.
Susan Chubbs
Drug & Alcohol Treatment Specialist, Referral Counsellor, Online Coach & Author
Susan is a certified Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist from Stratford with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate substance-use challenges. Her straightforward, empathetic approach helps clients understand their options at a time when clarity matters most.
Janice Demers
Case Manager & Interventionist
Janice provides steady, structured support to families seeking direction and guidance. She has extensive experience in case management and intervention planning, helping clients stay connected to appropriate treatment pathways with compassion and respect.
Professional Standards
Every team member is committed to ongoing professional development and adheres to recognized ethical guidelines. All are members of NAADAC and ISSUP, ensuring their work aligns with international standards in addiction support and recovery guidance.
Together, this team works with one shared goal: to help Canadians access safe, trustworthy addiction treatment options, and to do so with empathy, confidentiality, and genuine care.
Our Vetting Standards
We only recommend facilities we would trust for our own loved ones. Every partnered centre undergoes an extensive review, including:
- Verifying program structure and staff qualifications
- Reviewing client feedback and third-party reviews
- Speaking directly with program directors
- Ensuring no legal or ethical concerns
- Assessing the quality and safety of care
When You’re Ready, Help Is Here
If you or someone you care about is struggling, you don’t need to navigate this alone. Free, confidential support is available every day.
