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.

Who Is at Risk for Hep C? Risk Factors, Symptoms & Testing

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Who is At Risk for Hepatitis C?

Who is At Risk for Hepatitis C?

This article is clinically reviewed by Brittany Domm, R.P.N

Knowing who is at risk for hep C is one of the most important steps in preventing its spread. Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) that can cause serious complications including cirrhosis and liver cancer if left untreated. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, an estimated 250,000 Canadians are living with hepatitis C, and many remain undiagnosed. Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres offers same-day hepatitis C screening with results from a simple finger poke.

How is Hep C Spread?

One of the most common ways Hep C is spread is through contact with blood from an infected person. This includes sharing needles, syringes, or other drug equipment. Although rare, sexual transmission is also possible, as well as being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C. It can also be spread by coming into contact with contaminated objects such as razors or toothbrushes. Additionally, receiving tattoos in unsterile environments may increase the risk of contracting hepatitis C if there was blood present that was previously exposed to HCV-infected blood.

While it’s possible for Hepatitis C to be transmitted through saliva and other bodily fluids, this type of transmission is one of the less common ways Hep C is spread—as long as there are no open sores or cuts in the skin that could allow infected fluid to enter the body. Healthcare workers are at a higher risk of exposure than most people, due to their frequent contact with patients’ blood and bodily fluids while on duty. However, proper safety protocols including sterile gloves should reduce any potential risks significantly.

It is important for anyone who may have been exposed to the virus—even if they do not currently show symptoms—to get tested and seek treatment right away before any complications arise. This will prevent the infection from spreading further in their bodies.

Can You Be Asymptomatic and Spread Hepatitis C?

It’s possible to be infected with the Hepatitis C virus and be asymptomatic—meaning you have no symptoms of the infection. Most people who are infected with HCV do not experience any symptoms for several months or even years after being exposed to the virus. That means that many individuals may unknowingly spread the virus without realizing they have it due to a lack of noticeable signs and symptoms.

Being asymptomatic does not mean that an individual cannot transmit hepatitis C through contact with their bodily fluid. Those who are unaware they have contracted HCV could potentially spread it more easily than someone who has been diagnosed and is taking steps to prevent transmission. Therefore, it is important to understand how Hepatitis C can be passed between people even if neither person experiences any visible signs or symptoms of the disease.

How Soon Will Hep C Show Up After Exposure?

Knowing how soon HCV will show up after exposure to the virus is important for those at risk. They must seek treatment right away before any complications arise from the infection spreading further in their bodies.

The symptoms of Hepatitis C usually appear anywhere from two weeks to six months after being exposed to the virus. However, it may take longer for some people, depending on their circumstances. The most common signs are fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Other more severe symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), abdominal pain, dark urine, and pale stools. In addition to these physical indicators, there may also be psychological changes, such as depression or anxiety, due to living with this chronic infection. These can further delay diagnosis if not taken into account when determining the timeframe between exposure and onset of disease.

Who is Most at Risk for Hepatitis C?

People who use injection drugs are particularly vulnerable to the Hepatitis C virus due to their increased likelihood of sharing needles, which can spread the virus if they come into contact with infected blood. People who received a blood transfusion before 1992 may also be at high risk, as safety protocols were not yet available that could adequately screen out potentially contaminated donations during this period.

Additional groups with elevated risk of hepatitis C exposure include people born between 1945 and 1965, people who have been incarcerated, people living with HIV, and people on hemodialysis. According to PHAC, people who inject drugs account for the majority of new HCV infections in Canada.

Can You Get Hep C More Than Once?

Yes, it’s possible to contract Hepatitis C (HCV) more than once. While the virus typically remains in an infected person’s body for life, recurrence of HCV infection is not unheard of.

Transmission of hepatitis can occur more than once if a person encounters the virus again and has weakened immunity due to other conditions. If their immune system does not recognize it or cannot fight off the new strain, they may be re-infected. Additionally, individuals who have undergone organ transplants may also encounter this issue, since there is potential for exposure through donor tissues containing traces of Hepatitis C.

How to Prevent Hepatitis C

One of the most important steps to prevent Hepatitis C (HCV) is to be aware of the potential risks associated with contracting this virus and take action to protect oneself from exposure. Those at high risk for Hepatitis C infection must take extra precautions when engaging in activities outside their home which may place them at greater risk of coming into contact with contaminated objects or fellow individuals carrying the virus. This includes avoiding sharing needles/syringes used for injection drugs, having protected sexual activity, and only receiving tattoos from reputable tattoo shops.

Additionally, those living in close quarters, such as military personnel, inmates, and students attending college dormitories should also maintain personal hygiene regularly. This includes washing hands frequently and using disposable paper towels instead of cloths.

In addition to taking precautionary measures while interacting with potentially infected people, it’s also important for anyone considered “high risk” to get tested regularly—even if they do not currently show any warning signs. Fortunately, many options exist today, making testing easily accessible.

Testing options include rapid point-of-care tests available at clinics like CATC, as well as comprehensive laboratory screenings that track viral load over time and help monitor response to treatment.

Knowing your status is the first step toward protecting your health and preventing transmission to others.

Learn More About Hepatitis C Screening

Frequently Asked Questions: Who Is at Risk for Hep C?

Q: Who is most at risk for hep C in Canada?

A: The highest-risk group is people who inject drugs and share needles or equipment. Other at-risk groups include people who received blood transfusions before 1992, people living with HIV, people on hemodialysis, those who have been incarcerated, and people born to a parent with hepatitis C.

Q: Can you have hep C and not know it?

A: Yes. Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms for years or even decades. This is why testing is recommended for anyone who may have been exposed, even if they feel completely healthy.

Q: How soon after exposure will hep C show up on a test?

A: Symptoms can appear anywhere from two weeks to six months after exposure, though some people never develop noticeable symptoms. Antibodies typically appear in the blood within 8 to 11 weeks. Follow-up testing may be recommended if an initial test comes back negative shortly after a potential exposure.

Q: Can you get hep C more than once?

A: Yes. Successfully clearing a hepatitis C infection does not provide immunity. Reinfection is possible if exposure occurs again, which is why ongoing harm reduction practices remain important.

Q: Where can I get tested for hep C in Canada?

A: Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres offers same-day hepatitis C screening with results from a simple finger poke. Testing is also available through your family physician, community health centres, and public health units across Canada.

Hepatitis C Testing with CATC

Are you concerned that you or someone you know may have contracted Hep C? For those who may be unsure if they have been exposed to Hepatitis C, it’s important to contact us at Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres (CATC) to get screened. Through our screening services at CATC, individuals at risk of contracting Hepatitis C can take proactive steps toward staying safe before symptoms appear or become more severe. For anyone who has been diagnosed, we also have a comprehensive Hepatitis C treatment program which can help you get your health back.