Family Looking for Treatment for son with Opioid Addiction

We connected over email with the family members of Liam*, a 32-year-old male addicted to opiates who is living in Milton, ON.

Liam’s family was looking for private treatment that they would all share part of the cost for. They hoped this group effort in paying for Liam to get the help he needs would also allow him to by-pass the wait times people normally experience with public treatment.

Liam’s parents were currently out of the country, so his siblings came to us to help them research the differences in private and public treatment options. Liam’s siblings also hoped to use this information to prove to their parents the importance and benefit of getting Liam into private treatment.

Here are the resources we gave Liam’s siblings. The following information highlights two private treatment programs we spoke in depth about, followed by the public (OHIP) options available to Liam.

PRIVATE TREATMENT PROGRAMS

Sunshine Coast Health Centre
2174 Fleury Road 
Powell River, BC V8A 0H8 
Phone: (604) 487-9010
 Toll-free: 1(866) 487-9010 
E-Mail: info@schc.ca

A private residential program for men. Program lengths include 30, 42, 60, and 90 days (returning alumni have more flexible lengths of stay). Average costs are approximately $15,000 for 30 days (see SCHC’s fee schedule for more information on payment options).

With this program you will be cared for nurses, a doctor, care aids, and qualified mental health professionals (Psychiatrist, PhD and MA level psychologists and counsellors). SCHC’s programs include medically-supervised detox, masters-level therapists, offsite and onsite recreation (including an indoor pool), psychiatric assessment, refresher courses (aftercare), online aftercare support, family and couples’ programs. Once a person completes a treatment program at SCHC, he will always be able to access services from them (via online meetings, social media, over the phone, etc.). Client care does not stop once they complete treatment.

Life Science Addiction Treatment Centre
114 Rue Kimpton
Rigaud, QC J0P 1P0
 Phone: (450) 451-9995 Fax: (450) 451-9995
 Website: www.life-science.ca
 E-Mail: info@life-science.ca

Life Science charges $8,000 for 30 days (extensions up to 90 days are available). Life Science uses evidence-based and best practices models. This facility works with the client to design a treatment program that works best for him or her. Life Science will help with implementing proper coping strategies in regards to stress. Treatment takes place in a home-like environment located in a rural area of Quebec. It is also an English-speaking program. If necessary, in addition to seeing an addiction medicine doctor, Liam would see a psychiatrist for a mental health assessment. Life Science does not offer onsite detox, so Liam will have to be sober prior to admission (check with Life Science to see how long Liam must be sober for).

We also felt it was important for Liam’s family members to access their own resources that will help through the addiction process as Liam works his way to recovery. Here are the links felt would be beneficial:

This link will take you to helpful information about family/friends and treatment and recovery for addicted loved ones: http://www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca/family-addiction-help.html

LOCAL, PUBLIC OPTIONS FOR LIAM

First, here is a link to a blog that notes the differences in treatment programs available to Ontario residents: http://www.torontodetox.ca/ontario-residential-treatment-options-explained/

ASSESSMENT OFFICE NEAR MILTON

Halton Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Assessment, Prevention and Treatment Services (ADAPT)
13-217 Main Street E
Milton, ON L9T 1N9
(905) 693-4250 ext. 0
E-Mail: adapt@haltonadapt.org

This office provides assessments and outpatient programs for youths and adults, including affected family members and significant others.

DETOX

Because Liam uses opiates, Milton detox might not be an option. You may need to see if you can get him into Humber River Regional, CAMH, or Royal Ottawa Mental Health Hospital (each’s contact information provided below). These three detoxes are the medically supervised withdrawal units that can help Liam come off opiates under the monitoring of medical professionals.

Milton Withdrawal Management Services (Detox)

Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Assessment, Prevention and Treatment Services (ADAPT) Community Withdrawal Management Services (CWMS)

B1 – 245 Commercial St.
Milton, ON L9T 1B8 Phone: (905) 693-4250 ext. 0
Toll-Free: 1(877) 517-2237
Fax: (905) 639-6880
E-Mail: adapt@haltonadapt.org
Website: www.haltonadapt.org

Home detox provided with support and monitoring provided by a withdrawal management professional. Clients are assisted with withdrawal symptoms on an outpatient basis (in-office or by phone).

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
3rd floor – 60 White Squirrel Way
Toronto, ON M4G 3Z1
Phone: (416) 535-8501 ext. 36071 Toll-Free: 1(800) 463-2338 ext. 6616
Website: CAMH Medical Withdrawal Unit

An 18-bed medical detox unit where all clients are monitored by medically trained staff. Clients can self-refer between 8am -2pm Monday – Friday (No admissions on weekends or public holidays).

Humber River Regional Hospital
Bridgewood Chemical Dependency Program
Elective Inpatient Withdrawal Program

2175 Keele Street
Toronto, ON M6M 3Z4
Phone:(416) 658-2029
Website: Mental Health and Addiction Services

All clients are monitored by medically trained staff in an 11-bed psychiatric care unit used specifically for acute withdrawal from alcohol and other substances.

Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre Royal Ottawa Health Care Group Assessment and Stabilization
Unit 1145 Carling Avenue Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4
Phone: (613) 722-6521 ext. 6158
Website: www.rohcg.on.ca
E-Mail: lynne.green-finley@theroyal.ca

A co-ed 12-bed unit in a psychiatric hospital. Clients are monitored by medically trained staff.

RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT

Liam or his family will need to call 1.800.565.8603 to talk to the Ontario Drug and Alcohol helpline and ask for the residential treatment programs in his region. Ontario, like most provinces, divides up its healthcare into regions or networks. The hotline will know what residential treatment programs you should try accessing first.