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 in Ottawa: Your Options, Costs, and Next Steps

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Addiction Treatment in Ottawa: Your Options, Costs, and Next Steps

Addiction Treatment in Ottawa: Your Options, Costs, and Next Steps

Opioid deaths dropped 23% across Canada in 2025, with 5,630 lives lost compared to the year before, according to Health Canada and CBC News. That decline represents thousands of people who got help in time. It represents treatment that works.

But if you’re reading this from Ottawa, you already know that finding the right treatment can still feel overwhelming. Wait times for public programs, confusion about costs, and real concerns about confidentiality create barriers that statistics don’t capture. For government workers, diplomats, and contractors in the National Capital Region, the fear of career impact adds another layer of hesitation.

You’re not alone in that uncertainty. According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, about 21% of Canadians, roughly 6 million people, will meet the criteria for addiction at some point in their lives. Many wait because they don’t know what treatment actually looks like, or they worry about who might find out.

This guide covers addiction treatment options specific to Ottawa residents, what each type of care involves, realistic cost expectations, and how to take a next step that fits your situation. No pressure. Just what you need to make a decision that works for you.

Why Ottawa Residents Face Unique Barriers to Treatment

Ottawa’s workforce is different from most Canadian cities. A significant proportion of residents work for the federal government, diplomatic missions, or as contractors with security clearances. Many have access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that cover treatment, but heightened concerns about confidentiality often prevent them from using those benefits.

The fear is understandable. Will my manager find out? Could this affect my security clearance? What if it shows up in my personnel file? These questions keep people from reaching out, even when help is available and covered.

On the public side, programs like The Royal Ottawa, Montfort Renaissance, and CMHA Ottawa offer OHIP-funded treatment at no out-of-pocket cost. The tradeoff is wait times, which can stretch from weeks to months depending on the program and your specific needs.

Private treatment offers faster access but comes with significant costs. That gap between free-but-waiting and fast-but-expensive is where many people get stuck.

There’s good news on the accessibility front. Telehealth options have expanded significantly in recent years. Virtual treatment has become a viable path forward for Ottawa residents with demanding work schedules, family constraints, or concerns about being seen at a clinic.

What Addiction Treatment in Ottawa Looks Like

Treatment isn’t one thing. It’s a spectrum of options designed to meet different needs, schedules, and levels of severity. Here’s what’s available to Ottawa residents.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment means scheduled appointments at a clinic while you continue living at home. You maintain your work, your family routines, and your daily responsibilities while receiving structured support.

What’s typically included:

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, using medications like methadone, buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), or Sublocade
Individual and group counselling
Harm reduction services and community referrals

MAT combines clinically proven medications with counselling to reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal, and support recovery. It is the first-line treatment for opioid use disorder, not “trading one addiction for another.”

Outpatient care works well for people who need structure but can maintain daily routines. It is also a common step-down option after completing inpatient care. CATC operates outpatient clinics across Ontario with rapid access and strict confidentiality protocols. Telehealth appointments are available for many services.

Inpatient Residential Treatment

Inpatient treatment means living at a treatment centre in a structured, medically supervised environment. You step away from your daily life to focus entirely on recovery, with 24-hour support available.

What’s included:

Medically supervised detox
Individual and group therapy
Treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
Aftercare planning and transition support

Many people entering inpatient care are also managing mental health conditions alongside addiction. Effective inpatient programs address both together rather than as separate issues.

This level of care fits people who need to step away from their home environment, those with more severe or long-standing addiction, or anyone who has tried outpatient care and needs more intensive support. CATC operates inpatient residential centres in Ontario with rapid admission and Accreditation Canada certification. Ottawa residents can access these centres, and our intake team can assist with logistics.

Virtual and Telehealth Programs

Virtual treatment is fully online care delivered through a secure video platform. You access structured therapy from home, on a schedule that fits your life.

What’s included:

Structured therapy sessions with qualified therapists
Group support and peer connection
Aftercare planning and ongoing check-ins

For Ottawa residents with demanding work schedules, family responsibilities, or concerns about being seen at a clinic, virtual care offers privacy and flexibility without compromising the quality of care. CATC’s virtual treatment program runs in evening sessions and is delivered by the same qualified therapists who work in our physical locations.

Ottawa Treatment Options at a Glance

Treatment Type	What’s Involved	Cost	Wait Time	Best For
Outpatient (Private)	Scheduled clinic visits, MAT, counselling	Varies by program and coverage	Days to 1-2 weeks	People who can maintain daily routines while getting structured support
Outpatient (OHIP-Funded)	Similar services at public clinics	$0 out-of-pocket	2-8 weeks (varies)	Those without private coverage who can wait for intake
Inpatient (Private)	Live-in program, 24/7 care, detox, therapy	Varies significantly by program	Days to 1-2 weeks	Those needing intensive, immersive care away from home
Inpatient (OHIP-Funded)	Similar services at public facilities	$0 out-of-pocket	Weeks to months	Those without private coverage who need residential care
Virtual	Online therapy sessions, group support	Varies by program and coverage	Minimal to none	People with scheduling constraints or privacy concerns

If you need immediate support and can manage daily life at home, outpatient or virtual care may be the right fit. If you need intensive, 24-hour care, inpatient treatment offers that structure. Cost and wait times vary depending on whether you choose public or private options, and your EAP or extended health benefits may cover more than you expect.

How Much Does Addiction Treatment Cost in Ottawa?

This is one of the first questions people ask, and it deserves a direct answer.

Public (OHIP-covered) treatment is available at $0 out-of-pocket fees at facilities like The Royal Ottawa, Montfort Renaissance, and CMHA Ottawa. The cost is covered by provincial health insurance. The tradeoff is wait times, which can range from a few weeks to several months.

Private treatment costs vary significantly by program type, length of stay, and level of care. Our intake team can provide specific information based on your circumstances.

EAP and extended health coverage is one of the most underused benefits for Ottawa residents, particularly for government employees and those working for large employers. EAP services are typically confidential and separate from your personnel file. It is worth checking with your HR department or EAP provider directly. Many people are surprised by how much their workplace benefits cover.

CATC outpatient clinics offer OHIP-covered services for many medications and appointments. Inpatient programs vary by location and individual coverage. Our intake team can help you understand your options, including what your benefits might cover, with no commitment required.

Not sure what you’re covered for? Talk to our intake team confidentially. We can help you understand your benefits and options before you make any decisions. Call 1-877-937-2282.

What Therapy Is Most Effective for Addiction?

There’s no single best therapy. Effectiveness depends on the substance, the person, and the support system around them. But research points to several approaches that consistently show strong outcomes.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the gold standard for opioid and alcohol use disorders. MAT combines Health Canada-approved medications, including methadone, buprenorphine, or Sublocade for opioids, with counselling and behavioural support. It reduces cravings, prevents withdrawal, and significantly lowers the risk of overdose. Learn more about opioid addiction and treatment options.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change thought patterns that lead to substance use. It is widely used for both addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

Contingency management uses reward-based incentives to reinforce positive behaviours like attending appointments and maintaining abstinence. Recent peer-reviewed research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that patients with stimulant use disorder who received contingency management were 41% less likely to die within a year compared to matched peers who did not. This was a US Veterans study, and while the findings are significant, they reflect a specific population. The evidence base for contingency management more broadly is strong and growing.

The most effective programs don’t rely on one approach alone. They integrate medication, therapy, and support for co-occurring mental health conditions into a personalized treatment plan. CATC programs use evidence-based addiction treatment tailored to each patient’s needs.

What Is the Hardest Addiction to Quit?

This is a question people often ask, and the honest answer is: it depends.

Medical consensus suggests that opioids, including fentanyl and heroin, alcohol, nicotine, and benzodiazepines are often the most physically challenging substances to quit. Withdrawal from these substances can be severe, and the risk of relapse is high without proper support.

Individual experiences vary based on how long you’ve been using, your mental health history, your social support system, and your access to treatment.

Research shows that relapse rates for substance use disorders range between 40% and 70% within the first year of treatment, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. That statistic isn’t meant to discourage you. It’s meant to set realistic expectations. Relapse is not a sign of weakness or failure. It is a sign that treatment needs to continue or adjust. Recovery is a process, not a single event.

Common Pitfalls When Seeking Addiction Treatment in Ottawa

If you’re researching treatment options, you’re already ahead of many people. But there are some common mistakes that can slow you down or lead you to care that doesn’t fit your needs.

Waiting for things to get bad enough. There’s no threshold you need to cross. If you’re asking the question, it’s okay to explore your options now.
Assuming public means long wait and private means immediate. Reality is more nuanced. Some public programs have shorter wait times than expected, and some private programs have intake delays. Ask directly.
Not checking EAP or extended health benefits. Many Ottawa residents have coverage they don’t know about. A quick call to HR or your benefits provider can clarify what’s available.
Choosing based on cost alone. The cheapest option isn’t always the right fit. Consider whether you need outpatient, inpatient, or virtual care based on your situation, not just your budget.
Expecting a cure. Recovery is ongoing. The goal is building a sustainable support system, not a one-time fix.

What to Do Next

If you’ve read this far, you’re already taking a step. That matters.

Here are three concrete next steps, depending on where you are:

If you’re unsure what level of care you need: Call an intake line to talk it through. No commitment required. A brief conversation can help you understand your options without pressure.
If you want to explore your coverage: Contact your employer’s EAP or extended health provider. Ask specifically about addiction treatment coverage, confidentiality protections, and whether you can self-refer.
If you’re ready to start: Reach out to a treatment provider directly. CATC’s intake team is available at 1-877-937-2282 or through our contact page.

Reaching out is not a sign of weakness. For many people, it’s the hardest, bravest thing they’ve done.

How to Get Support in Ottawa

CATC offers confidential, evidence-based addiction treatment across Ontario, including options accessible to Ottawa residents.

What’s available:

Outpatient programs with rapid access
Inpatient residential treatment with 24-hour care
Virtual programs that fit around your schedule

No judgment. Rapid access. Accredited care. Call 1-877-937-2282 or talk to our intake team.

You deserve support that meets you where you are. Help exists, and it’s closer than you think.

Key Takeaways

Ottawa residents have multiple treatment paths: outpatient, inpatient, and virtual options exist at both public (OHIP-funded) and private levels.
Cost varies widely: public options are free but may involve wait times, while private options offer faster access at varying costs depending on your coverage.
EAP benefits are often underused: many government workers and employees of large organizations have addiction treatment coverage they don’t know about.
Effective treatment combines approaches: Medication-Assisted Treatment, therapy, and support for co-occurring mental health conditions work better together than any single approach alone.
Relapse is part of recovery, not failure: research shows relapse rates of 40% to 70% within the first year. That’s why ongoing support matters.

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.