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.

Addiction Treatment Centres in Hamilton: Local Guide

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Addiction Treatment Centres in Hamilton: Your Guide to Local Support and Next Steps

Addiction Treatment Centres in Hamilton: Your Guide to Local Support and Next Steps

In 2024, Hamilton’s opioid-related death rate was 47% higher than the provincial average, according to the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario via the City of Hamilton. Behind that number are real people, real families, and real pain. If you’re reading this because you’re worried about yourself or someone you love, know this: looking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s one of the bravest things you can do.

Navigating addiction treatment centres in Hamilton can feel overwhelming. The landscape is changing, with new provincial programs, different treatment types, and varying wait times. You might not know where to start.

This guide walks you through the types of treatment available in Hamilton, how the new HART Hub model works and what it means for you, realistic wait times and how to reduce them, what to expect from medication-assisted treatment, and clear next steps to get support.

Help exists. And it’s closer than you think.

Why Hamilton Residents Are Seeking Treatment Now

Hamilton is facing a sustained opioid crisis. In the first five months of 2026, non-fatal opioid overdose calls increased by 199% compared to the same period in 2025, according to a CBC News data analysis published in July 2026. Hamilton Paramedic Services responded to 1,160 suspected opioid overdoses in 2025, with 75% of those calls involving males and an average age of 38 years, according to the City of Hamilton Opioid Information System.

This isn’t about personal failure. The street drug supply has become increasingly unpredictable. Fentanyl contamination has changed everything. Substances are more potent than ever, and people who have used for years are facing risks they never anticipated.

There’s another layer too. Many people with a substance use disorder are also managing a mental health condition at the same time. That makes seeking help feel even more complicated.

Across Ontario, 5,630 opioid overdose deaths were recorded in 2025, though that number was 23% lower than the year before, according to Health Canada data reported by CBC News. Progress is possible. Treatment works. And researching options right now is a meaningful first step.

In 2025, Hamilton paramedics responded to over 1,100 suspected overdose calls, according to the City of Hamilton Opioid Information System. Help exists, and it’s closer than you think.

Types of Addiction Treatment Available in Hamilton

Understanding your options is the first step. Addiction treatment in Hamilton falls into three main categories: outpatient, inpatient addiction treatment, and virtual programs. Each serves different needs, and none is inherently better than another. The best option depends on your situation, your substance, and your life circumstances.

Outpatient treatment involves scheduled appointments at a clinic for medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counselling, and harm reduction services. You continue living at home and can maintain work and family responsibilities. This is often the first step for people with opioid use disorder and can be ongoing.

Inpatient addiction treatment means living at a treatment centre for an intensive, structured program. It includes around-the-clock medical supervision, detox support, therapy, and aftercare planning. This option suits people who need to step away from their home environment to focus fully on recovery.

Virtual treatment offers structured support through online sessions, often in the evenings. At CATC, our virtual treatment program runs for six weeks with qualified therapists on a secure platform.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a cornerstone of opioid use disorder care. Options include methadone, a full opioid agonist with no ceiling effect, effective for high-dose dependence; buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), a partial agonist with a ceiling effect and good safety profile; and Sublocade, a monthly injectable that removes daily dosing. These are evidence-based, first-line treatments. They are not “trading one addiction for another.”

Treatment Types at a Glance

Treatment Type	What It Involves	Typical Duration	Best For
Outpatient clinic	Scheduled appointments for MAT, counselling, harm reduction	Ongoing (flexible)	People who need to maintain work, family, and daily life
Inpatient addiction treatment	Around-the-clock medically supervised, live-in care	Weeks to months	People who need intensive, structured support away from home
Virtual intensive	Evening online sessions with therapists	6 weeks	People who prefer flexibility or have scheduling constraints
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)	Daily or monthly medication (methadone, Suboxone, Sublocade) plus counselling	Ongoing	People with opioid use disorder seeking stabilization

There’s no single right treatment. The best option depends on your situation, your substance, and your life circumstances.

What Is a HART Hub, and What Does It Mean for Hamilton?

Ontario is shifting how it approaches addiction care. The province is investing $560 million to establish 29 HART Hubs (Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hubs) with nearly 900 supportive housing units. This model focuses on treatment pathways, supportive housing, and coordinated services rather than standalone harm reduction sites.

Hamilton’s inpatient HART Hub opened on July 6, 2026, at 276 Aberdeen Ave with 14 beds. This represents a provincial shift toward treatment-focused care.

This is a transitional period. Capacity is still being built, and the new model is evolving. HART Hubs are one option among many. Outpatient clinics, private treatment centres, and established networks like CATC continue to operate alongside the new provincial program.

The HART Hub model is new. If you’re unsure whether it’s right for you, speaking with an intake team at an established treatment centre can help you understand your options.

Wait Times: What Hamilton Patients Should Expect

Let’s be direct about wait times. Publicly funded inpatient treatment beds in Ontario can have wait times ranging from several weeks to a few months, depending on the program and region. Some Hamilton-area outpatient programs offer much faster access, including same-day intake with no referral required. You can start medication-assisted treatment while waiting for a bed if that’s what you need.

Private treatment centres may have shorter wait times but typically involve out-of-pocket costs. Ask about your specific options during your intake call.

Waiting does not mean nothing is happening. Many people access outpatient support, harm reduction services, or virtual counselling while waiting for intensive inpatient care.

While You Wait: What You Can Do Now

Call an outpatient clinic to ask about same-day intake for MAT
Get on multiple waitlists. You can always decline later
Access harm reduction supplies. Naloxone kits are free and available locally
Connect with a family physician or walk-in clinic for interim support
Reach out to a confidential intake line for guidance on next steps

Outpatient Treatment Options for Hamilton Patients

Outpatient clinics allow you to access treatment while continuing to live at home, go to work, and maintain your daily responsibilities. For many people, this is the most practical first step.

At outpatient clinics, you’ll find medication-assisted treatment options tailored to your situation. Methadone is a full opioid agonist in liquid form with no ceiling effect, making it effective for people dependent on high-dose opioids or potent substances like fentanyl. Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone) is a partial agonist in tablet form where the ceiling effect provides a good safety profile, relieving withdrawal symptoms and cravings effectively for many patients. Sublocade is a monthly injectable form of buprenorphine that removes the daily dosing burden entirely.

Beyond medication, outpatient programs include counselling, harm reduction services, and referrals to housing, employment, and community supports. The goal is to stabilize your life, not just manage substance use in isolation.

CATC operates outpatient clinics under the TRC (Towards Recovery Clinics) and OATC (Ontario Addiction Treatment Centres) names, with locations in Hamilton, Brantford, St. Catharines, and surrounding areas. These clinics are discreet, and your privacy is protected.

If you’re unsure whether outpatient care is right for you, CATC’s intake team can help you understand your options, confidentially and without pressure. Call 1-877-937-2282.

Inpatient Addiction Treatment: When Intensive Support Helps

For some people, outpatient care isn’t enough. Inpatient addiction treatment provides the structure and immersion that some people need to break the cycle.

Inpatient is often right for people who need structured, around-the-clock support away from their home environment; those who have tried outpatient and need more intensive care; people with unstable housing or high-risk living situations; and anyone who needs medical detox under supervision.

Inpatient treatment involves an around-the-clock medically supervised environment with detox support, individual and group therapy, sober living coaching, and aftercare planning. Treatment addresses the underlying issues, not just the substance.

CATC operates inpatient centres in Ontario including GreeneStone and 1000 Islands. These centres treat alcohol, opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis, fentanyl, and other substances. Inpatient programs typically include virtual aftercare to support continued recovery after discharge.

Hamilton patients may access centres elsewhere in Ontario depending on availability and personal fit. Sometimes the right program is worth traveling for.

Inpatient is not the only path. It’s one option among several. Some people do well with outpatient or virtual care. Others need the intensive structure that inpatient addiction treatment provides. Both are valid.

Virtual Treatment Programs for Hamilton Patients

Virtual treatment removes barriers. If you have work obligations, family responsibilities, or transportation challenges, accessing structured support from home can be the difference between getting help and not.

CATC’s virtual intensive program runs for six weeks with evening sessions led by qualified therapists on a secure platform. Aftercare sessions are included to support your continued progress.

Virtual care is not a lesser version of in-person care. For many people, the flexibility and accessibility of virtual programs lead to better engagement and outcomes. Virtual programs can also serve as a bridge while waiting for inpatient placement. You don’t have to choose one path and wait. You can start getting support now while other options come together.

When Addiction and Mental Health Go Together

Many people with substance use disorder also have a mental health condition. This is called dual diagnosis or concurrent disorders. According to CAMH, approximately 60% of individuals with a substance use disorder also have a mental health disorder. In Ontario, the lifetime prevalence of dual diagnosis is 9.8%, according to research published in the International Journal of Population Data Science.

Here’s why this matters: treating only the addiction without addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, or other conditions often leads to incomplete recovery. The underlying issues don’t disappear just because the substance use stops.

Integrated treatment, which addresses both addiction and mental health at the same time, is increasingly recognized as best practice. When you’re evaluating your options, ask whether a centre offers integrated care for concurrent disorders.

Having a mental health condition does not disqualify you from treatment. It makes treatment more important. You deserve care that sees the whole picture.

If you’re living with both addiction and a mental health condition, you’re not alone, and integrated treatment can help.

Common Pitfalls, and How to Avoid Them

When seeking addiction treatment in Hamilton, a few common mistakes can slow you down or lead you to the wrong fit.

Pitfall 1: Waiting for rock bottom. Recovery doesn’t require hitting a crisis point. Earlier intervention often leads to better outcomes. If you’re questioning whether you need help, take that question seriously.

Pitfall 2: Assuming one type of treatment fits everyone. Outpatient, inpatient, virtual, and MAT serve different needs. There’s no hierarchy. The best treatment is the one that fits your life.

Pitfall 3: Not asking about dual diagnosis support. If a program doesn’t address mental health, it may not be the right fit for you. Ask directly.

Pitfall 4: Getting discouraged by wait times. People can access outpatient or harm reduction support while waiting for beds. Waiting doesn’t mean doing nothing.

Pitfall 5: Going it alone. Involving family or a support person can improve outcomes, but it’s not required. Many people recover with professional support only. If you’d like guidance on how to help a family member with addiction, we have resources for that too.

Questions to Ask an Intake Team

What types of treatment do you offer (outpatient, inpatient, virtual)?
Do you treat co-occurring mental health conditions?
What medications are available for opioid use disorder?
What is your current wait time?
Is treatment confidential?
What does aftercare look like?

What to Do Next

Help is available. Taking the next step can be as simple as making a phone call.

Here’s what you can do right now:

Call an intake line. Ask questions. Get assessed. Learn what options fit your situation.
Know that intake calls are confidential. No one will force you to decide.
Explore your options. CATC’s intake team can help Hamilton residents understand their choices across outpatient, inpatient, and virtual programs.

You deserve support, not judgment.

Key Takeaways

Hamilton faces a serious opioid crisis, with a 47% higher death rate than the provincial average in 2024 and a 199% increase in non-fatal overdose calls in the first five months of 2026, according to a CBC News data analysis.
Treatment options in Hamilton include outpatient clinics, inpatient care, and virtual programs. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
The new HART Hub model is one option among many. Established treatment networks continue to operate alongside the provincial program.
Outpatient MAT often offers same-day intake. You don’t have to wait months to start getting support.
If you have a mental health condition alongside substance use, ask about integrated care. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both at once.

Your Next Step

If you’re ready to learn more about your options, or if you just want to talk it through, CATC’s intake team is here to help. We serve Hamilton patients through outpatient clinics, inpatient addiction centres, and virtual programs.

Contact our intake team or call 1-877-937-2282. The call is confidential.

Recovery is possible. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

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.