Does CATC treat addictions to substances other than opioids?

CATC is currently focused on treating Opioid Use Disorder. That said, our patients often present addiction to opioids and other substances, i.e., alcohol, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Our expert addiction treatment specialists support them in meeting their personal recovery goals.

How do I get started on a Methadone or Buprenorphine program?

CATC offers same-day intake appointments in all our centres. We recognize that when you are ready to start your recovery journey, we need to be ready to support you. From our location page, select the location that is nearest to you and then either walk-in or call 1-877-937-2282 to start your intake virtually.

What should I expect during an intake appointment?

Our Intake appointments usually range from 60-90 minutes. Our CARE team will capture your medical history, discuss medication options, share information on how the treatment program works, and prepare for your initial assessment with an expert addiction medicine physician. You do not need a referral to start on our programs, walk-ins are welcomed. You will be asked to present your provincial health card to see a physician.

What are the costs of the program?

Our programs are usually delivered at no cost to the patient. In some cases, patients may have to pay for their medications or counseling services that are not covered by their provincial health plans. Our CARE teams will work with you to help determine the best plan to get the costs of your care covered.

How can I ensure that my personal information is kept confidential?

All client information is considered confidential. We will not release your personal health information to anyone without signed consent from you unless it is required by law.

I recently found out I was pregnant and need help; can I use Methadone to help with my withdrawal?

Methadone is a safe and effective way to manage opiate dependency during pregnancy. Treatment with Methadone prevents opioid withdraw, which can be dangerous for your baby. View our resource on Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy.

When can I expect to be free of my opioid addiction with treatment?

Addiction is a chronic and relapsing condition. Every patient, depending on their history and recovery goals, will take a unique recovery journey. The ultimate goal of the program is to improve our patient’s quality of life across many dimensions – including ensuring the presence of a home, a job, and a friend for those who have lost so much because of their addiction. Methadone and Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone®), when taken as prescribed, are safe and effective medications. This decision to taper off these medications should be made with your physician to ensure the best chance of success for you and prevent sudden onset withdrawal. People who are most successful at tapering off treatment, have generally been abstinent from illicit drugs for more than a year and are demonstrating a high level of functional stability, i.e., gainfully employed, presence of positive/supportive social relationships.

How often do I have to come to the treatment centre?

Your visit frequency will change as your stability increases. In early recovery, you will see your doctor 1-2 times a week to get your dose adjusted and you will see your pharmacist daily for the first 2-3 months. As your drug use declines, you will see your physician less – usually 1 time per month and visit your pharmacist 2-4 times per month. CATC offers integrated medical and pharmacy services, so there is no need to visit multiple locations.

When can I get my medications to take at home?

Once you have been on the program for 4-8 weeks you may be eligible for take-home doses. You will start with one dose, and as you gain stability these will increase. There are clinical guidelines that our physicians follow to determine take-home eligibility; physicians also utilize their clinical judgment based on your specific situation.

How often do I have to complete a urine drug screen during treatment?

Frequency of Urine Drug Screens also changes as you become more and more stable. In the first few months of treatment, you will be required to produce a urine sample 1-2 times per week to help the physician understand your use patterns. We also use urine drug screens to ensure that you are taking the medication that is being prescribed, as diversion of prescription medications is common. In some cases, your physician will ask for a random urine drug screen; this practice helps us identify and prevent any unsuspected medication diversion that may be occurring.

If I use drugs while on the program, am I kicked off?

Absolutely not. We recognize drug use and relapses are part of the recovery journey. It is important to remember that using other drugs while on Methadone or Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone®) can be dangerous. There have been reported deaths because of the combination of Methadone with alcohol, opioids, cocaine, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and/or tranquilizers. If you have been prescribed or are using other medications, please disclose this to your CATC physician so they can make an informed decision on your treatment.

Do you recommend Methadone or Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone®)?

The best medication for you is based on many factors and the decision should be made with advice from your physician. Both medications have their pros and cons and there is emerging evidence that medication choice should be influenced by the amount and type of opiates that are being used. In a recent survey of our patients, 67% of those who had tried both medications said Methadone worked best for them. This is consistent with data reported from other countries. Because CATC offers several medication types, you can always transition between medication types to see what works for you. Have a specific question? Please call us at 1-877-937-2282 or email info@canatc.ca.

How to Get Help for Prescription Drug Addiction

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How to Get Help for Prescription Drug Addiction

How to Get Help for Prescription Drug Addiction

Getting help for prescription drug addiction is possible, and addiction treatment options in Canada are more accessible today than at any point in history. If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken a step that many people never take. You’re looking for answers.

Maybe you’re uncertain whether your situation is “serious enough.” Maybe you’ve been waiting because you don’t know what getting help actually looks like, or you’re worried about being judged. Those feelings are understandable, and they’re more common than you might think.

According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, about 22% of Canadians over the age of 15 use psychoactive prescription drugs, with approximately 6.5 million Canadians reporting use in a recent national survey. Problematic use is rising, and many who need help don’t get it. If you’re one of them, this guide is for you.

In this article, you’ll learn how to recognize when it’s time to seek support, what addiction treatment options actually involve, and the exact steps you can take today to move forward.

Why Prescription Drug Addiction Is Different

Prescription drug addiction often starts in a doctor’s office. A legitimate prescription for pain after surgery. Medication for anxiety or sleep. A stimulant to help with focus. These are real medical needs, addressed with real medicine.

This is not a moral failure.

Opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants can create physical dependence even when taken exactly as prescribed. The body adapts. Tolerance builds. And before long, you may find yourself needing more to feel the same relief, or feeling unwell when you don’t take the medication.

What makes prescription drug addiction uniquely difficult is the shame that surrounds it. People often feel worse because “it was medicine, not street drugs.” That shame keeps people from seeking help for months, sometimes years.

Here’s what the medical community understands: substance use disorder is a chronic brain condition, not a character flaw. This isn’t speculation. It’s the consensus of addiction medicine, backed by decades of neuroscience research. Prescription opioids are responsible for significant harm in Canada, including hospitalizations and emergency department visits, according to CCSA’s Prescription Opioids Drug Summary.

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Prescription drug addiction is one of the most common forms of substance use disorder. It’s also one of the most treatable.

You are not alone. Prescription drug misuse is one of the most common forms of substance use disorder in Canada, affecting people from all walks of life. According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, about 22% of Canadians over 15 use psychoactive prescription drugs, and problematic use is on the rise.

Signs It May Be Time to Seek Help

You don’t need to hit rock bottom to deserve support. That myth keeps people from getting help until their situation becomes much harder to address. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.

Here are some patterns that suggest you might benefit from professional support:

You need more of the medication to get the same effect
You feel anxious or irritable when you can’t take it
You’ve obtained prescriptions from more than one doctor
You’ve hidden your use from people close to you
You’ve tried to cut back but found it difficult
Your work, relationships, or health have been affected
You spend significant time thinking about the medication or how to get more

Consider a common scenario: you started taking your prescribed pain medication after surgery. Months later, you notice you need more to feel the same relief. The thought of running out makes you anxious. You’ve started scheduling your day around your doses. If any of this sounds familiar, that recognition is important.

This is not a diagnostic tool. If you recognize yourself in any of these patterns, speaking with a healthcare professional is a helpful next step.

What Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction Actually Looks Like

Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on the substance you’re using, the severity of your dependence, and your life circumstances. What works for someone else may not be right for you, and that’s okay.

Three primary treatment pathways exist, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment involves scheduled appointments at a clinic while you continue to live at home and often continue working. It’s structured medical support that fits into your daily life.

This approach works well for people with stable living situations who need help but don’t need to step away from their responsibilities. Treatment typically involves medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counselling, and harm reduction services.

MAT uses medications like methadone, buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), or Sublocade alongside therapy to treat opioid addiction. These aren’t “trading one addiction for another.” They’re clinically proven, first-line treatments that stabilize brain chemistry and reduce cravings so you can focus on recovery.

At CATC, outpatient treatment is available at 75+ clinic locations across Ontario, BC, and New Brunswick, with rapid access and confidential care.

Inpatient Residential Treatment

Inpatient residential treatment is intensive, live-in care in a medically supervised environment. You stay at the treatment facility for the duration of your program.

This approach is best for people who need to step away from their daily environment, those with severe dependence, or those who haven’t been successful with outpatient approaches alone. It’s also essential for certain substances. Opioids and benzodiazepines require medical supervision during withdrawal. Unsupervised detox can be dangerous. Inpatient care provides this safely.

Treatment involves medically supervised detox, around-the-clock support, therapy for underlying mental health conditions, and sober living coaching. Many programs also include structured aftercare planning.

Virtual Treatment

Virtual treatment is a fully online program that offers therapy and structured support from home. Sessions happen via secure video with qualified therapists.

This approach works well for people who need flexibility due to work or family commitments, those in rural areas with limited local options, or people who prefer the privacy of home-based care. Virtual treatment has expanded significantly in Canada in recent years, with telehealth now a well-established pathway for addiction support.

Treatment Options at a Glance

Treatment Type	Setting	Best For	What’s Involved
Outpatient	Clinic visits	Stable living situation; need structured support while continuing daily life	MAT, counselling, harm reduction
Inpatient Residential	Live-in facility	Severe dependence; need to step away from home environment; require medical detox	Around-the-clock supervision, detox, therapy, aftercare
Virtual	Home (online)	Need flexibility; rural location; prefer privacy	Video therapy, structured programming, aftercare

Outpatient works well if you have a stable home and can attend regular appointments. Inpatient is best when you need round-the-clock support or medical supervision for withdrawal. Virtual offers flexibility and privacy. Each is a legitimate pathway to recovery.

How to Navigate Cost and Insurance

Cost is one of the most common reasons people delay seeking treatment. The fear is real. But the reality is often different than expected.

Treatment is frequently more affordable than people assume, and many options exist that you may not know about.

Check your insurance coverage. Many Canadian insurance plans cover substance use disorder treatment, including MAT. Call the number on your benefits card and ask specifically about addiction treatment benefits.
Ask about sliding scale fees. Many treatment centres offer reduced rates based on income. You won’t know unless you ask.
Explore provincially funded options. In Canada, many addiction treatment services are covered through provincial health plans. In Ontario, outpatient opioid treatment clinic visits are covered by OHIP. In BC, eligible patients receive clinic visits and medications at no out-of-pocket cost.
Use free resources to start. You can access support today at no cost.

Free Resources to Start Today

Crisis Services Canada: Call or text 988

CATC Intake Line: 1-877-937-2282 — our intake team can help answer coverage questions

The Exact Steps to Get Help Today

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you call. You don’t need to know which treatment is right for you. You just need to start the conversation.

Here’s what the process actually looks like:

Call a helpline or intake team. You don’t need to have answers. You just need to start the conversation. The person on the other end is trained to help, not judge.
Be honest about what you’re experiencing. You won’t be judged. The more honest you are about what you’re using and how much, the better the team can help match you with the right care.
Ask questions. What treatment options are available? What does the process involve? What support exists after treatment? Good programs welcome your questions.
Schedule an assessment. This helps determine the right level of care for your situation. It’s a conversation, not a test.
Begin care. Whether outpatient, inpatient, or virtual, take the first appointment. You’ve already done the hardest part by reaching out.

If you’d like to talk it through, CATC’s intake team is available to help you understand your options, with no pressure or judgment.

A Note for Young Adults

If you’re between 18 and 25, you’re facing a particular challenge: this age group often has some of the lowest treatment access rates despite significant rates of prescription drug misuse.

The pressures of this stage of life are real. School, career, social life, fear of what family might think. It can feel like there’s no good time to ask for help.

But here’s what’s true: virtual and outpatient options can fit around your schedule. Treatment doesn’t have to mean putting your life on hold. And early intervention during this period can change the entire trajectory of your future.

If you’re unsure, reach out anyway. A conversation costs nothing.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

People make predictable mistakes when seeking help for prescription drug addiction. Knowing them in advance can help you sidestep them.

Waiting until things are “bad enough.” There’s no threshold you need to hit. No one is checking credentials at the door. Early help leads to better outcomes.

Trying to quit without medical support. Some substances, particularly opioids and benzodiazepines, require medical supervision during withdrawal. Unsupervised detox isn’t just uncomfortable. It can be dangerous.

Not disclosing all substances you’re using. Treatment works best when your care team has the full picture. If you’re using multiple substances, say so. Honesty protects you.

Assuming one approach works for everyone. If your first treatment experience wasn’t right, that doesn’t mean treatment doesn’t work. It means you need a different fit. Programs vary. Keep looking.

Skipping aftercare. Recovery is ongoing. Structured aftercare and follow-up support significantly reduce the risk of returning to use. Build the support system before you need it.

There Is Hope, and Help Is More Accessible Than Ever

Across Canada, opioid-related deaths decreased by 23% in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to Health Canada data reported by CBC News. Treatment options are expanding. Telehealth is established. Medication-assisted treatment is mainstream. The understanding of addiction as a medical condition has replaced the moral failure framing that kept so many people from seeking help.

You deserve support, not judgment. Help exists, and it’s more accessible today than at any point in history.

Key Takeaways

Prescription drug addiction often starts with legitimate medical treatment. It’s a brain condition, not a moral failure.
You don’t need to wait until things are “bad enough.” Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
Treatment options include outpatient, inpatient, and virtual care. The right choice depends on your situation.
Cost is a real concern, but free resources exist, and many treatments are more affordable than expected. Provincial health plans cover many services.
Recovery is possible. Treatment access is better now than at any point in history.

If you’re ready to take the next step, or just want to talk through your options, CATC’s intake team is here for you. Call 1-877-937-2282 or visit canatc.ca/contact-us to get started.

The hardest part isn’t treatment. It’s deciding to reach out. You’ve already started.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please speak with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance about your situation.