The Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres (CATC) provides comprehensive opioid addiction treatment programs for individuals struggling with opioid dependence. Opioids, including prescription painkillers such as oxycodone and hydromorphone, as well as illicit substances like heroin and fentanyl, are highly addictive and can lead to severe health complications. CATC offers inpatient addiction treatment, opioid detox, and virtual outpatient treatment to help individuals safely manage withdrawal and build a lasting foundation for addiction recovery.
Explore Your Options Now
or
The Negative Effects of Opioids
Opioids are powerful drugs that alter the brain’s ability to regulate pain and pleasure, making them highly addictive. While they are commonly prescribed for pain relief, misuse or prolonged use can result in dependency and serious physical, mental, and social consequences.
Short-Term Effects of Opioid Use
Opioids work by binding to receptors in the brain that regulate pain and emotions, creating a sense of euphoria. However, the immediate effects of use can be harmful and even potentially life-threatening. Those using opioids may experience:
- Drowsiness and confusion: Impairs decision-making and makes daily tasks difficult.
- Slowed breathing (respiratory depression): Can lead to unconsciousness or fatal overdose.
- Nausea and vomiting: Causes dehydration and significant discomfort.
- Constipation and digestive issues: Can lead to severe gastrointestinal complications over time.
- Increased risk of overdose: Especially dangerous when combined with alcohol or sedatives.
Opioid misuse can quickly lead to dependence, with withdrawal symptoms emerging even after short-term use. Without professional opioid addiction treatment, individuals often struggle to stop using, despite negative health consequences.
Long-Term Effects of Opioid Use
Long-term opioid use leads to significant changes in brain chemistry. The brain becomes less responsive to natural pleasure signals over time, causing individuals to feel depressed or anxious when they aren’t using the drug. As their tolerance increases, higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects, further fueling a cycle of dependency.
Long-term opioid use is also associated with:
- Severe tolerance and addiction: Increasing dosages become necessary to achieve the same effect.
- Mental health disorders: Higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
- Weakened immune system: Increased susceptibility to infections and chronic illness.
- Organ damage: Particularly affecting the liver, kidneys, and heart.
- Higher risk of infectious diseases: Unsafe injection practices increase exposure to hepatitis and HIV.
Opioid addiction also inevitably impacts relationships, careers, and overall well-being. Many individuals face financial difficulties, job loss, or legal troubles as addiction takes over their lives. Seeking opioid addiction treatment in Ontario as early as possible can prevent these long-term consequences and support a healthier, more stable life.
When to Seek Help: The Signs of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction often develops gradually, making it difficult to recognize until total dependence has taken over. Opioids, unlike other substances, create both physical dependency and a strong psychological grip, leading individuals to prioritize drug use over daily responsibilities. Identifying the warning signs early on can make a significant difference in seeking timely opioid addiction treatment in Ontario.
Physical Dependence and Withdrawal
One of the earliest signs of opioid addiction is increased tolerance, the need for larger doses to achieve the same effect. As dependence grows, withdrawal symptoms begin appearing whenever opioids are not taken. These symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, chills, muscle pain, intense cravings, and restlessness. As a result, many people continue using opioids just to avoid the withdrawal symptoms, which can make it incredibly difficult to stop without the support of professionals.
Behavioural and Emotional Changes
Opioid addiction is often accompanied by obvious behavioural changes such as neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home. People might withdraw from social encounters, miss commitments, or become secretive about their whereabouts. Irritability, anxiety, and mood swings are also common, particularly between doses. Financial struggles may arise when increasingly larger amounts of money are used to buy opioids, sometimes leading to borrowing or even stealing.
Continued Use Despite Harm
One of the clearest signs of addiction is continued opioid use despite negative consequences. Many individuals will find themselves unable to stop using, even when they are faced with health issues, broken relationships, or legal troubles.
If these patterns sound familiar, professional opioid rehab in Ontario can help you get your life back.
Steps to Starting Treatment
Taking the first step toward recovery can feel overwhelming, but CATC simplifies the process with a clear path to treatment:
- Initial Consultation – Contact our treatment specialists to discuss your situation and explore the range of treatment options we have available.
- Comprehensive Assessment – Our team will conduct a personalized evaluation to determine the severity of the addiction in order to recommend the most appropriate care program.
- Medical Detox – If required, a medically supervised opioid detox will help safely manage withdrawal symptoms
- Transition to Treatment – Depending on their needs, patients will begin either inpatient addiction treatment or virtual outpatient treatment.
- Therapeutic Engagement – Evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), group counselling, and individual therapy, will help to target the root causes of addiction.
- Aftercare and Relapse Prevention – Long-term support through virtual aftercare and alumni programs helps individuals maintain their sobriety for the long term.
Each stage of this process has been specifically designed to provide the highest level of care and ensure the best chances for a successful recovery.
Medical Detox and Withdrawal Management
Doing an opioid detox is a crucial initial step in the treatment process, since overcoming withdrawal symptoms can be severe and potentially dangerous. Symptoms can include severe anxiety, muscle aches, nausea, sweating and tremors. In some cases, they may also be accompanied by a rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and extreme agitation.
Trying to stop taking opioids without medical supervision can often lead to relapse because the withdrawal symptoms can be so severe and are incredibly challenging to navigate on your own. Our rehab treatment programs at CATC provide 24/7 medically supervised inpatient addiction treatment to ensure a safer and more comfortable detox process. Medications can be administered to relieve symptoms and reduce cravings, making it easier to transition into the next phase of treatment.
Inpatient Treatment for Opioid Addiction
CATC operates three specialized opioid rehab centres in Ontario, each of which provides its own unique and supportive treatment environment:
Trafalgar Addiction Treatment Centre: Just west of Toronto, the Trafalgar Addiction Treatment Centre provides a structured and discreet environment for comprehensive opioid addiction therapy. In the 23-bed facility, patients will go through a medically supervised detox before transitioning to individualized therapy with one of our registered clinicians. From there, treatment addresses both mental health conditions and substance use together, incorporating trauma therapy and relapse prevention. The centre also provides wellness programs, including fitness training, nutritional support and yoga. Patients travelling to the centre for treatment will also receive transportation to and from Pearson International Airport.
1000 Islands Addiction Treatment Centre: 1000 Islands Addiction Treatment Centre is both the newest and the largest of CATC’s inpatient rehab facilities. Located along the St. Lawrence River, the 54-bed treatment centre, with an 8-bed onsite detox centre, offers intensive, evidence-based therapy overseen by our certified addiction counsellors. Patients will participate in both group and individual therapy, wellness activities and holistic recovery programming. The waterfront location is easily accessible from major Canadian cities and the U.S. border, making it a convenient option for those seeking opioid rehab in Ontario.
GreeneStone Centre: GreeneStone, set on 40 acres of natural forestland along Lake Muskoka, provides a private, retreat-style environment for patients working towards opioid recovery. It offers 25 private rooms, on-site detoxification, trauma-informed care, and support for co-occurring mental health conditions. Patients will benefit from structured therapy, wellness activities and outdoor recreation, like hiking, sports and an indoor pool. Access to personal devices is regulated, with a business centre available for work needs. Indigenous healing support, aftercare and an alumni program provide further support for long-term recovery. Complimentary airport transportation is available for those travelling for treatment.
Call Us Now. We're Here to Help
Virtual Outpatient for Opioid Addiction
CATC’s Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP) offers a flexible and accessible alternative to inpatient care for individuals who have completed opioid detox and are able to maintain sobriety. This program allows participants to live at home, balance work and family commitments, and apply recovery strategies as they integrate back into their day-to-day lives.
VIOP includes individual counselling, group therapy, and educational workshops, with a personalized treatment plan that is adapted to each client’s progress. Part-time program options are available for those needing a more flexible schedule.
Since opioid addiction often requires medical stabilization, clients undergo a screening process before enrollment.
Virtual Aftercare Support
Long-term recovery requires ongoing support. CATC’s virtual aftercare services provide:
- Access to licensed counselors for continued therapy
- Peer support groups to foster accountability and encouragement
- Relapse prevention strategies tailored to individual needs
Our alumni network ensures that individuals remain connected to a supportive community, reducing the risk of relapse and strengthening long-term recovery.
Why Choose CATC for Opioid Addiction Treatment?
CATC offers specialized opioid addiction treatment through a combination of inpatient rehab and virtual outpatient programs, ensuring flexibility, safety, and expert care. Our CARF-accredited programs provide comprehensive support from detox to long-term recovery. Here’s why patients trust CATC for opioid addiction treatment:
- Medically Supervised Detox: Withdrawal from opioids can be severe and dangerous. Our inpatient centres provide 24/7 medical supervision to help patients detox safely and comfortably, reducing the risk of relapse during withdrawal.
- Structured Inpatient Programs: Our residential treatment centres offer safe, home-like environments where patients receive personalized therapy, relapse prevention strategies, and treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions. Each facility is designed to foster stability and long-term recovery.
- Flexible Virtual Outpatient Treatment (VIOP): For individuals who have detoxed and can maintain sobriety, VIOP offers a structured, evidence-based program that allows patients to continue their daily responsibilities while receiving professional addiction care. Part-time options are available for those needing a more gradual approach.
- Continuity of Care: Recovery doesn’t end after treatment. CATC provides seamless transitions from detox to inpatient or virtual care, followed by long-term relapse prevention and aftercare support, helping patients sustain recovery beyond rehab.
- Experienced, Compassionate Team: Our treatment specialists include registered therapists, medical professionals, and addiction counselors who create individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Proven Track Record in Opioid Recovery: With a comprehensive, evidence-based approach, CATC has helped countless individuals overcome opioid addiction and rebuild their lives.
Learn more about Inpatient Treatment and Online Treatment programs.
Contact CATC to Begin Your Recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, the Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres is here to help.Contact CATC today to explore treatment options and start your journey to recovery.