Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Rehab In Toronto, Ontario

Find hope and healing at the Canadian Centre for Addictions. Our specialized alcohol addiction treatment and rehab programs are designed to guide you towards a life of sobriety. Reclaim your life and embrace an alcohol-free future!

Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Rehab In Toronto, Ontario

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, kindly contact the Canadian Centre for Addictions at 1-855-499-9446 for support and counseling. The Canadian Centre for Addictions offers the most sophisticated treatment in an environment that inspires lasting change. At the Canadian Centre for Addictions, we help people understand their addictions and the healthier coping strategies available to them by engaging them in one-on-one counseling with certified counselors, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals. 

How We Treat Alcohol Addiction and What to Expect

The Canadian Centre for Addictions provides several alcohol treatment options depending on symptoms and the severity of the addiction at our alcohol rehab and treatment centres in Ontario and Toronto. Our visitors can expect a full range of quality services that offer flexible therapy and counseling for alcohol addiction. We understand that your alcohol addiction can negatively impact every aspect of your life, so our addiction specialists provide an individualized, client-centered approach to treatment.  

Our addiction services include inpatient rehab centres, outpatient treatment, individual and group counseling, intervention counseling, and lifetime aftercare, all designed to offer the patient the best chance at recovery and a swift return to normal life.

When to Seek Help for Alcohol Addiction

Many people use alcohol in social settings, making warning signs if alcoholism difficult to detect. The severity of a person’s alcohol addiction may also influence the type of warning signs they exhibit. Mild alcohol use may not present any signs but can progress to something dangerous if not controlled. People with an alcohol problem may also try to conceal their condition by drinking alone or isolating themselves from friends and loved ones. 

You know it’s time to seek help for alcohol addiction when you notice one or more of the following signs:

  • You experience intense cravings or a strong desire to use alcohol
  • You are drinking more alcohol than intended 
  • You spend a great deal of time drinking or dealing with the aftereffects of drinking 
  • You have tried multiple times to stop or cut down on alcohol use without success
  • You are developing tolerance to alcohol (needing to drink much more to get the same effects)
  • Your drinking is affecting your productivity at work, school, or in the home 
  • You continue to use alcohol despite attendant social and interpersonal problems
  • You give up or cut back on hobbies or activities you once found interesting because of alcohol
  • You are frequently getting into dangerous situations because of alcohol use (such as driving, swimming, or operating machinery)
  • You continue to drink even when it makes you depressed, anxious or leads to another health problem
  • You experience withdrawal symptoms when you decide to stop or reduce your alcohol consumption

Why Should You Choose the Canadian Centre for Addictions

Choosing a suitable addiction treatment centre is crucial when seeking help for alcohol addiction. The Canadian Centre for Addictions treats clients from all walks of life with 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 the Canadian Centre for Addictions, 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 addiction affects the individual and others close to them. So, 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 tough. Our combination of quality inpatient care and the sense of community from our aftercare services provide a balance you can rely on for as long as needed.

The Canadian Centre for Addictions Success Stories

The Canadian Centre for Addiction has recorded tremendous success with individuals dealing with addictions over the years. Here are snippets of some of our inspiring success stories:

 “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 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 

“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 

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 

Types of Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

There are several effective treatment options for alcohol addiction. The appropriate treatment strategy is one tailored to the patient’s specific needs. Alcohol addiction treatment programs will typically include one or a combination of the following:  

Detox

Detox for alcohol addiction helps to rid your body of any traces of alcohol. The goal of detox in this situation is to help manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms safely. The detox experience will depend on how long a person has been an addict and how much alcohol is in their system. Doctors may also prescribe medications to control withdrawal symptoms during the detox process. 

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab is an intensive treatment option for severe cases of addiction. People with severe alcohol addiction or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms will be admitted to the treatment facility for round-the-clock supervision. CCFA offers patient-centric protocols to set severe alcohol addicts on the path to sobriety and wellness. Our residential treatment program combines medical intervention with other required treatment protocols in a holistic manner that offers you the best chance at recovery. 

Outpatient Treatment

Alcohol addicts undergoing outpatient treatment will live at home or in a sober living environment while keeping regular appointments with the treatment facility. Outpatient treatment is ideal for patients who do not need constant supervision and are highly motivated to get better. Recovering addicts undergoing outpatient treatment need a reliable support network of family and friends to keep them on the path to sobriety. 

Counselling 

Counseling for alcohol addiction involves individual or group sessions where a trained counselor offers guidance and support to recovering addicts. These sessions aim to help participants change negative thought patterns and behavior. At CCFA, we offer counseling and interventions that equip our visitors with the skills they need to live alcohol-free lives.

Aftercare

Addiction is tough to beat, and many people will suffer relapses on the journey to complete recovery. Aftercare keeps individuals connected to their treatment team and helps them stay on the recovery course even if they relapse. The ideal aftercare treatment plan depends on a person’s specific situation and may include outpatient treatment, counseling, and 12-step programs. CCFA offers several supportive aftercare services to help individuals maintain their sobriety after completing their treatment program.

What to Expect in Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Your alcohol recovery treatment program begins the moment you check in to our facility. Our experts will ask you questions and examine you to determine the best treatment course of action. Medical detox to get all traces of alcohol out of your system and manage withdrawal symptoms is typically the first step in alcohol addiction treatment. Doctors may sometimes prescribe medications to help reduce the effects of withdrawal symptoms in some cases.

Patients with severe withdrawal symptoms may be admitted for constant monitoring, while those with less severe cases may be allowed to go home and return for regular appointments. Our treatment programs are designed to help visitors get to the root of their addictions, so they understand why they are so dependent on alcohol. 

Patients who are making progress with their treatment, but are not yet ready to live independently, may stay in a sober living environment till they’re prepared to transition to normal life. Joining a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) connects you with people on a similar path to recovery. Their 12-step programs have proven to be effective in helping recovering addicts achieve and maintain sobriety. 

CCFA also offers aftercare services to help you remain sober after completing your treatment. We offer aftercare in-person visits twice weekly and teleconferencing options to ensure long-term recovery. 

Alcohol Addiction Treatment Stages

The stages in alcohol addiction treatment may include the following: 

  • Detox 
  • Inpatient/Outpatient treatment
  • Counseling/ Behavioral therapy
  • Support 
  • 12-step programs
  • Sober living 
  • Aftercare

Understanding Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction occurs when a person loses control of their alcohol use. They are unable to stop drinking even where there are obvious negative consequences. While alcohol is a social drink for many people, others use it to cope with their problems. Alcohol addiction is a brain disease that leads to continuous alcohol use despite its harmful effects.

Alcohol, like other addictive substances, stimulates the brain’s reward pathway leading to euphoric feelings when consumed. Using alcohol in moderate amounts will cause no problems, but regular heavy drinking will see an individual develop tolerance – needing to drink more alcohol to get the same euphoric feelings. Continued use will progress to dependence, where the person needs alcohol to perform regular activities. At this stage, the individual is addicted and will experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop or reduce their alcohol consumption. 

Withdrawal Symptoms of Alcohol

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur when a person stops or reduces their alcohol consumption after a period of heavy drinking. They are usually a combination of physical and emotional symptoms, including:

  • Tremors/shakes
  • Anxiety
  • Headaches
  • Mood changes
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Increase heart rate
  • Heart palpitations
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances
  • Hallucinations
  • Nightmares
  • Vomiting 
  • Seizures
  • Rapid abnormal breathing
  • Hyperthermia
  • Delirium tremens

These symptoms kick in between a few hours to days after your last drink and may worsen over the next two to three days. Alcohol withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens) is a life-threatening condition due to alcohol withdrawal. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Delirium tremens are marked by extreme confusion or agitation, excessive sweating, fast respiration, hallucinations, and tremors.

Alcohol Addiction Symptoms

The symptoms of alcohol addiction may be physical, mental, or behavioral and include: 

  • Dependence on alcohol for normal functioning
  • Increased fatigue, depression, and other emotional issues
  • Feeling distressed at the prospect of being without alcohol for a while
  • Wanting to be at places or events where there is alcohol and avoiding alcohol-free places or events
  • Spending more time with other heavy drinkers
  • Hiding alcohol or drinking habits from family and friends
  • Drinking at inappropriate times or places, like early in the mornings or drinking at work
  • High alcohol tolerance
  • Frequently getting arrested for drunk-driving
  • Getting into trouble at work due to drinking
  • Slurred speech
  • Impaired thinking and uncoordinated behavior

What are the Causes of Alcohol Addiction?

The causes of alcohol addiction may be genetic, biological, social, and environmental. They include: 

Family History 

Studies show that genes may be responsible for half of all the risk for alcohol addiction. A person with a family history of alcohol abuse has an increased risk of becoming addicted to alcohol. 

Drinking at a Tender Age

Individuals exposed to alcohol at a young age are more likely to keep drinking till they develop alcohol addiction. 

Steady Alcohol Use

A person who drinks too much alcohol regularly for an extended period is at a higher risk of developing alcohol-related problems and addiction.

Past Trauma

Individuals with a trauma history may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism putting them at risk of becoming addicted to alcohol.

Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders

People with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health disorders are at a higher risk of having problems with alcohol and drugs.

Social and environmental factors

The media portrays drinking as a harmless, fun activity, which can give the impression that there’s nothing wrong with overdrinking. Young people may also be influenced to drink by their peers, increasing their risk of becoming addicted later on. 

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction can have lasting impacts on an individual’s health and safety. Long-term effects of alcohol addiction include: 

  • Liver disease
  • Digestive problems
  • Heart problems
  • Diabetes complications
  • Eye problems
  • Increased cancer risk
  • Compromised immune system
  • Bone damage
  • Neurological complications
  • Bone damage
  • Legal and financial problems
  • Relationship problems
  • Increased risk of using harder substances
  • Suicidal thoughts/attempts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective treatment for alcohol dependence?

Medications like Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram are effective at limiting alcohol use in dependent individuals. The drugs are typically administered with counseling and or other treatment protocols.

What is the first line of treatment for alcoholism?

The first line of treatment for alcohol use disorder is medical detox with supervision. Patients newly diagnosed with alcohol use disorder may start the detox process with medications like Naltrexone to help manage attendant withdrawal symptoms.

What are the five types of therapy that can be used to treat alcoholism?

Five types of therapy that can be used to treat alcoholism include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Talk therapy
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
  • Motivational interviewing
  • 12-step facilitation
What are the two drugs used to treat alcohol dependence?

Two drugs used to treat alcohol dependence are Naltrexone and Disulfiram. Naltrexone reduces a person’s alcohol craving and helps them maintain their sobriety. Disulfiram produces an acute sensitivity to alcohol and causes unpleasant effects when a person uses alcohol. These effects include headache, flushing of the face, chest pain, choking, sweating, and vomiting.

What is the diagnosis for an alcoholic?

Alcoholism, according to the DSM-5, is a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, diagnosed as mild, moderate, or severe based on a number of symptoms in the past 12 months.

What are the two types of alcoholics?

The two types of alcoholics are Type 1 and Type 2 alcoholics. Type 1 alcoholics are characterized by a late onset of binge drinking interspersed with prolonged periods of abstinence, loss of control over drinking, guilt over drinking, and rapid progression from mild to severe alcohol abuse, often accompanied by the development of alcoholic liver disease.

Type 2 alcoholics, on the other hand, are characterized by early onset of drinking problems (usually before 25) and multiple social complications.

What are the three effects alcohol has on the brain?

Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and affects brain structure and function. It affects the areas of the brain responsible for balance, speech, memory, and judgment. Prolonged alcohol use also shrinks brain neurons – messengers that transmit impulses between different areas of the brain and the rest of the nervous system.

What mental illness is associated with alcoholism?

Mental illnesses commonly associated with alcoholism include anxiety disorders, major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

Does alcohol change a person’s personality?

Alcohol affects the central nervous system, lowering inhibitions and increasing irritability. It can affect judgment and lead to communication problems. A person under the influence of alcohol can change to become more aggressive toward others.

Is alcoholism a disease or a habit?

Alcoholism is a chronic brain disease characterized by uncontrollable alcohol use despite its harmful effects. It causes biological changes in the brain, making quitting difficult without medical treatment. Alcoholism is caused by genetic, environmental, and biological factors and is not necessarily the result of bad decisions.

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