Frequently asked questions about addiction

Addiction: An Information Guide

On this page:

• How do I know if my substance use is a problem?
• How do I know if I need treatment?
• Where can I get an addiction assessment or find out about treatment?
• What happens in treatment?
• How much does treatment cost?
• How long do I stay in treatment?
• How do I know if I need help with withdrawal?
• Where can I get information about substance use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
• I’ve been told I might have to wait weeks or months to get into a treatment program. What can I do right now?
• I’ve been through treatment before. What’s the use in trying again?

How do I know if my substance use is a problem?

If you think your substance use may be causing problems in your life, try the following questionnaire, called the CAGE (each letter stands for a key word in the four questions):

1. Have you ever tried to cut down on your drinking or other drug use?
2. Have you ever felt angry at or annoyed by someone else’s comments about your drinking or other drug use?
3. Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking or other drug use?
4. Have you ever used alcohol or other drugs as an eye-opener—that is, have you used first thing in the morning?

If you answer yes to two or more of these questions, you may have a substance use problem. Even a “yes” answer to one question might be a cause for concern and worth investigating further.

How do I know if I need treatment?

If you feel that substance use is causing problems in your life and that you are unable to control your use, see a trained counsellor for an assessment. The assessment gathers information about your use and related problems and other factors in your life, such as your personal strengths and supports. From this information, you and your assessment counsellor can decide whether you might benefit from treatment or other support.

Where can I get an addiction assessment or find out about treatment?

To find assessment and treatment services in your community, try the following:

• Call the Ontario Drug and Alcohol Registry of Treatment (DART) at 1 800 565-8603, or look online at www.dart.on.ca. DART keeps a database of every addiction treatment service in Ontario and offers telephone referral information.
• Talk to your doctor. Some doctors may be able to provide treatment, but most will refer you to a specialized treatment service.
• Visit a community health centre; the staff can provide you with advice and information. A listing of community health centres in Ontario is available at Community Health Centres.
• Ask people you know who have been through treatment. They can give you some ideas about where to go for help and what they experienced.
• Call your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if you have one. Many employers offer EAP, which can link you with an assessment or treatment service.
• Look in the Yellow Pages under “Addiction” to find your local referral service.

What happens in treatment?

Each treatment service is different, but all have trained staff who will:

• explore how alcohol and other drugs affect your life
• plan treatment with you
• link you to other services that you might need
• help you learn skills for leading a healthy, balanced life
• help you set and meet your goals
• provide individual and/or group counselling
• offer support and information for family members
• help you to learn how to avoid or cope with slips or relapses
• prepare a plan for what will happen after treatment.

How much does treatment cost?

In Ontario, government health programs cover the fees for most treatment services. That means there’s no charge, provided you are a resident of Ontario and qualify for OHIP coverage. Some services, however, may have fees that are not covered: check with each service for details.

How long do I stay in treatment?

How long you stay in treatment depends on the service and on how much help you need to achieve your goals. Treatment can range from a few weeks to several months or longer.

How do I know if I need help with withdrawal?

Withdrawal symptoms are more likely if substance use is stopped suddenly, rather than reduced over time. Symptoms of withdrawal vary. They depend on the substance used, the health of the person and other factors. If within hours or days of stopping use you feel ill and distressed, you may wish to seek withdrawal management support (also known as detoxification or detox). If you can’t access a withdrawal management service right away, try a hospital emergency department. Emergency medical staff are also trained in assessing and helping people in withdrawal.

Withdrawal services can be medical or non-medical, depending on your needs. They can even be managed in your own home. Medical withdrawal management is the safest route if you:

• have a history of severe withdrawal (e.g., seizures or hallucinations)
• are dependent on more than one drug
• have a physical illness that withdrawal symptoms would worsen (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure)
• are pregnant.

Check with DART (1 800 565-8603; www.dart.on.ca) for information on finding a withdrawal management service in your community.

Where can I get information about substance use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Using alcohol or other drugs while pregnant or during breastfeeding can harm the baby. For more information, see the CAMH publication Is It Safe for My Baby? available online at Is It Safe For My Baby? For order information please e-mail: publications@camh.net

I’ve been told I might have to wait weeks or months to get into a treatment program. What can I do right now?

Waiting periods for formal treatment programs are typical, and can be distressing. Immediate support is available from withdrawal management services and self-help meetings (see Resources for a list of self-help organizations). Some treatment programs offer orientation (or “getting started”) groups that you can attend while you are on the waiting list. While you are waiting, get all the support you can from your family and friends who do not use substances, and/or your faith community. Try counselling services outside of the addiction treatment system, such as those available through community health centres or your EAP.

I’ve been through treatment before. What’s the use in trying again?

Some people think that completing a treatment program and then returning to substance use means that the treatment didn’t work. They see no point in trying again. However, while returning to substance use after treatment can be discouraging, it is common and is not a reason to give up hope. Lasting success usually takes more than one—or even several—treatment experiences or attempts to quit or cut down. Sometimes a different treatment approach is more effective; for example, one that is more specific to you. Programs exist for women or Aboriginal People; for people addicted to cocaine; and for people with concurrent addiction and mental health problems. Sometimes people return later to the same treatment program and have greater success. The most important thing is to keep trying. Lasting change is possible.

The following chapter provides more detail about treatment options.

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