Drug Addiction Treatment

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Drug Addiction Treatment

There are several factors to consider and multiple options available regarding drug addiction treatment. Every person dealing with drug addiction has a unique situation, and their treatment specialists will have to devise treatment goals most appropriate for their situation. 

The type of addiction, the length and severity of the addiction, as well as its effects on the individual and those around them, are some factors specialists will consider when drawing up an addiction treatment plan. Available treatment options include inpatient and outpatient treatment, but it’s necessary first to determine the level of care an addict requires. Some patients may want to stop using their substance of choice completely, while others decide to reduce or manage their drug consumption. 

Some treatment strategies aim to find and resolve underlying emotional issues that may be fueling addiction with a view to finding healthier coping strategies that do not involve drugs. Drug addiction is often the result of genetic, psychological, and environmental or social reasons, so an addiction treatment plan must be holistic to offer the individual the best shot at recovery. Learn about the treatment of drug addiction with the Canadian Centre for Addictions and the options available to you or a loved one dealing with addiction.

Which Addictions Do We Specialize in?

We specialize in helping people with the following at the Canadian Centre for Addictions:

  • Alcohol addiction
  • Prescription drug addiction
  • Marijuana addiction
  • Cocaine addiction
  • Heroin addiction
  • Crack addiction

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol is the most abused substance in the world. Its widespread social acceptability means that most people do not consider it a drug. Many people who become addicted to alcohol are exposed to drinking at an early age and do not realize the inherent dangers till it’s too late. It’s easy to mask alcohol addiction, but the situation will sooner or later affect every aspect of a person’s life. About 4.2 million Canadians are addicted to alcohol or have a problem related to alcohol abuse.

Alcohol addiction puts vital organs like the liver, lungs, heart, and kidneys at risk of severe damage. It can also impair judgment, affecting relationships at home, school, or work. Alcohol addiction can also endanger lives, especially when a person is driving or operating heavy machinery under the influence. 

The Canadian Centre for Addictions offers support and will guide you or a loved one through the alcohol addiction recovery process. Our team of highly qualified alcohol rehab specialists is ready to evaluate your case and devise the most appropriate treatment plan that sets you on the path to living an alcohol-free life. 

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

Prescription drug abuse occurs when people use medications for reasons other than prescribed or without a prescription. These drugs, including opioids, depressants, stimulants, and tranquilizers, have side effects, and misusing them can have adverse health effects or lead to addiction. 

Some of the most abused prescription medications include:

Over 22% of Canadians tend to abuse prescription drugs, and the impacts can be detrimental. Prescription drug abuse can lower inhibition and impair judgment, making users more prone to risky behavior and putting them at risk of accidents and infections. Prescription drug overdose can also be fatal if not addressed promptly.

The Canadian Centre for Addictions offers proven rehab treatments that have helped many people battling prescription drug addiction. Our treatments are tailored to your unique circumstances, accounting for the specific drug you’re addicted to and the underlying causes of your addiction. We have a full team of addiction counselors with years of experience and success treating individuals who come for help. 

Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Marijuana is one of the world’s most abused and controversial psychoactive substances. Its use is legal in Canada, and 27% of Canadians aged 16 and above reported using the drug in 2022. Marijuana is widely considered a harmless drug, but about 10% of people who use marijuana form an addiction. 

Marijuana addiction can cause physical and behavioral symptoms like: 

  • Impaired memory judgment
  • Poor motor control, 
  • Increased heart rate
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Lowered inhibitions and increased drowsiness

Chronic marijuana smokers may also experience cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a rare form of toxicity that manifests as extreme nausea and vomiting that weakens the body. 

The Canadian Centre for Addictions’ marijuana rehab treatment program is designed to help addicted individuals break free from their addiction. Our team of addiction specialists will devise the most appropriate treatment plan that gets to the root of your addiction and help you live marijuana-free. 

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that creates intense euphoria and several physical and mental health challenges. Due to its potency, users quickly become hooked on the drug as they chase the typically short-lived high it brings. Cocaine addiction symptoms include:

  • Fertility issues
  • Lung damage
  • Sexual impotence
  • Strokes
  • Seizures
  • Brain damage
  • Hemorrhage
  • Death due to overdose

Cocaine has a powerful reinforcing effect, and quitting without medical help brings intense cravings and severe withdrawal symptoms. At the Canadian Centre for Addictions, we offer you the comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehab program you need to recover safely. Our medical staff will monitor your recovery while our counselors work with you to identify underlying issues and develop better habits. Our cocaine rehab strategies are tailored to meet your needs and those of your loved ones to give you the best chance of breaking your cocaine addiction. 

Heroin Addiction Treatment

Heroin is one of the world’s most addictive substances, producing a powerful sensation and extremely severe withdrawal symptoms. People addicted to heroin will risk everything, including their money, relationships, job, and everything else, for their next hit. Symptoms of heroin addiction include:

  • Irritability and aggressive behavior
  • Insomnia
  • Male sexual dysfunction 
  • Respiratory issues
  • Infections of the heart lining and valves
  • Kidney, liver, and lung complications
  • Local tissue infection
  • Co-occurring mental health disorders

Breaking heroin addiction is extremely challenging, but it’s possible with the right combination of treatment and support. At the Canadian Centre for Addictions, we offer various services, including detox, rehab, and behavioral therapy. We also provide inpatient and outpatient services with the right combination of medical and psychological support to help you recover. CCFA will also help you through withdrawal and everything that comes after, from managing your cravings to rebuilding old relationships. 

Crack Addiction Treatment

Crack cocaine is a highly addictive substance derived from powdered cocaine using a simple conversion process. It has a similar effect as cocaine, but it’s cheaper and faster-acting, making it more affordable and accessible. Crack cocaine is almost always smoked, and its potent effects are short-lived, making it more prone to binges, overuse, and faster cravings.

Crack works the same way as cocaine, but its effects are more intense, making overdoses more likely. Addiction to crack also carries a higher risk of health problems than cocaine. Once the short-lived effects of crack start to wane, depression quickly sets in, making the user crave another hit, increasing their risk of hallucinations, psychosis, and other mental health problems. Crack withdrawal symptoms are unpredictable and severe, as it’s usually mixed with other drugs and chemicals.

The Canadian Centre for Addictions offers crack addiction treatment tailored to the needs of the addict. Our comprehensive residential and outpatient services come with the best medical and psychological support to give you the best chance at recovery. Our counselors will also work with you to determine the root of your addiction and help you devise strategies for dealing with underlying issues and developing healthier coping mechanisms. 

How to Get Treatment for Addiction

The Canadian Centre for Addictions provides addiction treatment to individuals dealing with drug addiction at our drug rehab and treatment centres in Ontario and Toronto. We offer treatment, counseling, and support for different types and varying degrees of substance abuse and addiction. Contact CCFA at 1-855-499-9446 for support and counseling if you or a loved one is dealing with drug addiction. 

We offer the most sophisticated treatment in an environment that inspires lasting change. At CCFA, we help people understand their addictions and the healthier coping strategies available by engaging them in one-on-one counseling with certified counselors, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals. 

When to Seek Treatment for Addiction

Drug addiction still carries a stigma, and people battling addictions tend to hide the situation for as long as they can. Feelings of guilt, shame, or thinking the problem is not so bad often prevent people from looking for help. Many addicts will only seek help after their addiction has led to significant physical, financial, personal, or legal trouble. 

No addiction is untreatable, but the longer you wait for help, the harder it becomes to break free. You know you need to seek addiction treatment once you notice that you are:

  • Using more amounts of the drug of choice than intended
  • Trying and failing to quit using your drug of choice
  • Continue to use the drug despite obvious physical and mental health problems
  • Spending more time using the drug or recovering from its effects
  • Continue to use the drug despite the impacts on work, academics, and relationships
  • Giving up important activities or time with family to use your drug of choice
  • Giving up hobbies or activities you previously enjoyed to use the drug
  • Using the drug in risky situations like when driving, swimming, or operating hazardous machinery
  • Experiencing intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms when you stop or reduce your use of the drug 

Why You Should Choose the Canadian Centre for Addictions

Beating drug addiction is tough, and choosing an appropriate treatment centre is crucial to your chances of success. The Canadian Centre for Addictions offers a patient-centric approach that keeps you connected to your life and responsibilities outside so your transition to regular life is as smooth as possible. 

At CCFA, we take our work seriously because we understand that our clients are at a vulnerable point in their life. We are open, honest, and communicative about what we deliver and take the first step towards building the trust needed to form strong bonds with those who need our help.

We also understand that drug addiction affects not only the individual but others close to them. That’s why our therapists and staff extend their care to helping families cope with addiction while treating their loved ones. We not only help people overcome their addictions, but we also help them navigate the hurdles that addiction creates for those who care about them. 

Treatment at CCFA doesn’t end but evolves when you leave. We offer a place where people can return to if things get hard. Our combination of quality inpatient care and the sense of community from our aftercare services provide a balance you can rely on long after your treatment ends. 

The Canadian Centre for Addictions Success Stories

At CCFA, we have achieved great success in helping people deal with their addictions. Here are some of our inspiring success stories: 

“The highly competent staff is able to provide emotional and physical support as well as effective addiction therapy. With an open mind, I found I was able to draw healing from each of the well balanced and skillfully presented meetings and activities. During my stay at CCFA, I learned how to regain control of my life. I left with skills I require to keep moving forward in my recovery. The facility is spacious, comfortable and clean and the community is exceptional. The fitness and activities, as well as the delicious meals, are outstanding. By far, this was the most productive 30 days of my life. A gift from me to me!”

Elliot Hester 

I came in with a broken soul, full of self-pity, not liking who I was, full of fear and low self-esteem. During my stay, I learned so many valuable lifelong lessons. The counselors challenged me to feel again; to think and understand those feelings, to express my feelings and thoughts. They have taught me the strategies and tools that I must apply to my new life going forward. For the first time in my life, I feel calm, relaxed, strong with the new me, and most importantly, HAPPY. Thank You.”

Edmund Rudd 

My involvement with CCFA has been an absolute lifesaver for me. The entire program and one-on-one sessions have given me the look and strategies to leave with and have a clean and sober life going forward. A very warm, welcoming, home-like environment.”

Martha Esquivel 

“The CCFA has shown me a new way of life. The counselors here are amazing, love working with all of them. I had a great stay and can’t wait to continue my road to recovery with the tools I have learned. Thank you.”

Kiaan Ochoa 

Understanding Addiction Treatment

Drug addiction is a disease and not the result of some moral failure. Many people who are addicted to a drug first try to quit on their own before realizing that willpower is usually inadequate to get them to break free of drug use. Addiction treatment is never easy; for most people, it’s a lifelong journey. A personal commitment to full recovery is required to overcome addiction successfully. 

The first step toward addiction treatment is realizing and acknowledging the problem. Most addicts spend so much time denying or ignoring the problem, usually due to some perceived stigma around drug addiction. After acknowledging your need for professional help, you want to find a treatment centre with programs that give you the best chance of beating drug addiction and getting your life back on track.

Several addiction treatment options are available depending on the substance you’re addicted to and the level of care you require. No single treatment approach is suitable for all patients, and addiction specialists will evaluate addicts on a case-by-case basis to determine the most appropriate course of action. 

Addiction Risk Factors and Causes

There is no single reason why people become addicted to drugs. But an individual’s susceptibility to addiction will typically arise from one or more of the following factors:

Genetics

Research suggests that addiction is heritable and that genetic factors play a role in addiction development. People with family members who struggle with addiction are more likely to develop an addiction later in life. 

Environmental conditions

A person’s environmental conditions can also play a role in their drug addiction. Young people who grow up in unstable homes or were exposed to drugs early have a higher risk of becoming drug addicts. Peer pressure and a community’s seeming acceptance of drug abuse can also increase a person’s likelihood of drug addiction. 

Psychological factors

Individuals with past traumatic experiences may struggle with emotional difficulties that could push them to drugs. Past physical, emotional, or sexual abuse may also see individuals turn to drugs as a coping mechanism. Individuals with mental health conditions may also try to manage their symptoms by self-medicating with drugs, putting them at risk of drug addiction.

Addiction Treatment Options

Additional Addiction Therapies

Additional addiction treatment therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) also help addicts to get to the root of the underlying thoughts or feelings that fuel their addictions. They also learn healthier coping strategies to handle their cravings instead of turning to their substance of choice. 

Sober living homes are another form of addiction therapy that helps individuals transition from intensive inpatient treatment to normal living. These facilities are a safe bridge between residential treatment and their everyday routine. People in sober living homes find the motivation and strength to learn and maintain new habits in a safe and structured environment. 

Some addiction treatments may involve a faith-based approach. These types of treatment involve specialized therapy that revolves around faith and belief systems. People undergoing this kind of treatment seek guidance from a spiritual source or a higher power as they navigate the path to sobriety. 

Medications may also be prescribed during treatment to help recovering addicts deal with withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, or treat co-occurring mental health disorders. There are also holistic treatments for addiction that focus on the individual’s overall well-being. These types of programs cater to the addict’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Holistic therapies may include yoga, meditation, art therapy, and acupuncture. 

Addiction Support Groups

Support groups help recovering addicts avoid the shame and isolation associated with addiction which can lead to relapse. They connect recovering addicts with others dealing with similar situations so they don’t have to go on the journey alone. Self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous typically use the 12-step model to help recovering addicts. This model involves 12 individual action steps to help people overcome alcohol or drug abuse.

SMART Recovery is another popular support group for recovering addicts. It involves a four-point program with stages that can be performed in any order. SMART Recovery teaches addicts to maintain a sober life by addressing underlying thoughts and feelings experienced in sober life. 

The Effectiveness of Drug Addiction Treatment

The journey from addiction to sobriety isn’t always straightforward, and several factors may be employed to determine whether treatment is effective. Addiction treatment aims to get a person to stop using their drug of choice and prevent relapse afterward. However, factors like the addiction’s severity, the type of drug, the length of time a person has been addicted, and their motivation to beat the addiction mean complete sobriety is not always achievable. 

The effectiveness of drug addiction treatment can be determined using the following outcomes:

  • The patient uses addictive substances less often
  • Improvements in their physical health, including reduced doctor visits
  • Improvements in their mental health, behavior, and mood
  • Improved relationships with the people in their lives
  • Improvements in their performance at work or school
  • Improved safety, meaning they have fewer injuries, accidents, or arrests
  • There is a longer time between relapses

Is Addiction Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Drug addiction treatment costs significant sums of money. There are public rehab facilities in Canada where you can obtain addiction treatment for free, but wait times are long and may impede your recovery journey. 

Private insurers in Canada provide addiction treatment coverage under their mental health insurance plans. Employers include addiction treatment as an additional benefit to their province’s existing healthcare plan. The scope of an addiction treatment insurance plan depends on the premium and comprehensiveness of the plan. 

Insurance companies may pay for all or part of the treatment depending on:

  • Level of care needed
  • Length of stay
  • Stages of treatment
  • Ongoing treatment to maintain sobriety
  • Affiliation to treatment centres or addiction specialists

Most Common Types of Drug Addiction

The most common types of drug addiction are: 

Alcohol addiction

Alcohol’s social acceptability makes it the most commonly abused substance. Addiction to alcohol is also difficult to spot. Its abuse and addiction potential exposes users to risks like liver disease, accidents, and death from overdose. 

Nicotine addiction

Nicotine is the active ingredient in tobacco products. It is highly addictive, and its legal status and social acceptance make it appealing. Smoking has several negative health impacts, and addiction to nicotine is difficult to break.

Marijuana addiction

Marijuana use is legal in Canada, and the prevailing perception that it’s a harmless drug gives it wide appeal. However, marijuana also carries an addiction potential, and prolonged use can have negative health impacts.

Opioid addiction

Opioid addiction often results from the misuse of prescription painkillers. Individuals who use opioids without a prescription are also at risk of addiction, organ damage, and death from overdose.

Inhalants addiction

Inhalants include household solvents, gases, aerosols, and nitrites. These substances contain harmful addictive chemicals which have intense effects. Individuals addicted to inhalants are at risk of severe consequences, including permanent disability or death.  

Cocaine addiction

Cocaine is a highly addictive substance made from the coca bush. Crack is a cheaper and faster-acting derivative of cocaine, and both substances can have harmful long-term consequences like stroke, seizures, and death. 

Heroin addiction

Heroin is a potent drug that brings on a powerful euphoria and crushingly severe withdrawal symptoms. Treating heroin addiction is tough and often requires a combination of therapy and medications to manage intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Stimulant addiction

Addiction to stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall often results from prescription drug abuse. These drugs are highly addictive, and their unpleasant withdrawal symptoms make it difficult for addicts to quit. 

Benzodiazepines addiction

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs prescribed for their calming effects. However, they can be addictive if misused and have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. 

Barbiturates addiction

Barbiturates are prescribed for their sedative effects, but they also possess mind-altering properties that make them prone to abuse and addiction. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best form of treatment for addiction

The best form of treatment for addiction is one that is tailored to the specific needs of the individual. This treatment will account for specific factors like the type of drug used, length of addiction, severity of the addiction, available support system, and their motivation to change.

What is the first step in the treatment process for addiction?

The first step in the treatment process for addiction is a thorough evaluation of the individual to understand their addiction and surrounding circumstances. A detox process will typically follow this evaluation to get all traces of the substance out of the addict’s system. 

What is the first rule of recovery?

The first rule of recovery from addiction is to admit that you have a problem and are powerless to overcome it without help.

How long does it take to get rid of an addiction?

How long it takes to get rid of an addiction varies from person to person. How long a person has been using, and the severity of their addiction affects their ability to break an addiction. However, research shows that recovering addicts need at least 90 days to recover from drug addiction and master the new habits they’ve learned during the recovery process. 

How does addiction affect the brain?

Addiction affects the brain on several levels. Addictive substances stimulate the brain’s reward system, triggering euphoric feelings that motivate the individual to continue using the substance. These effects can cause lasting behavioral changes and permanent brain damage.  

Which part of the brain causes addiction?

Addiction is a complex condition resulting from the action of drugs on several areas of the brain, including the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and extended amygdala.

Is addiction a disease or a disability?

Addiction is a disease of the brain because it leads to changes in brain structure and function. However, addiction can also be a disability if it substantially impairs major life activities. 

What is the most common type of substance use disorder?

Alcohol use disorder is the most common type of substance use disorder. Its legal status and social acceptance make alcohol the most abused substance in Canada

What is the most common pharmacological treatment for addiction?

Common pharmacological treatments for addiction are medications administered to reverse the effects of substances or reduce cravings. These drugs include naltrexone, buprenorphine, and methadone.

What are some ways to overcome addiction?

Some ways to overcome addiction include rehab, therapy, medications, interventions, and support groups.

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