Supporting effective new ways to treat addiction

CAMH Foundation Annual Report 2005 - 2006

Before she came to CAMH, Ruth Dagg lived in an environment where drugs were readily available, but prided herself on maintaining a stable and loving home for her family. When her only daughter was diagnosed with cancer at age 15, it tore Ruth’s world apart, and her occasional alcohol and marijuana use escalated as a way to cope with her grief.

When Ruth suffered an accident shortly after her daughter’s diagnosis, she was prescribed OxyContin, a powerful pain medication. She became severely addicted, and began using illegal OxyContin and crack cocaine. Her substance use was soon costing her $200 a day.

In fall 2004, Ruth was arrested for drug-related crimes, and her house and belongings were confiscated. Because of Ruth’s severe addiction, the authorities knew there was little hope of her rehabilitating in prison, and she was offered the alternative of Drug Treatment Court (DTC).

Drug treatment courts provide court-supervised treatment as an alternative to incarceration for people who are involved in criminal behaviour because of their substance dependence. The Toronto DTC is offered by CAMH in collaboration with the Ontario Court of Justice, the Federal Department of Justice and many community partners. It was the first of its kind outside the United States, and has inspired the creation of similar programs throughout Canada, and in Australia, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. Since its creation in 1998, it has served over 600 people.

Ruth began DTC in December 2004 and embarked on what would be a difficult journey to break her addiction. In January 2005, her daughter succumbed to her illness and in April, more tragedy struck when Ruth’s ex-husband took his life in the aftermath of their daughter’s death. Those working with Ruth expected a devastating setback in her progress in the program. However, Ruth pushed on and in May 2005, she started the intense 21-day detox program offered at CAMH’s Brentcliffe Road site.

Ruth graduated from DTC in November 2005 and continues to see her CAMH addiction therapist, Mair Ellis, every two weeks. “Despite her hardships, Ruth was very successful,” says Mair. “She often counsels others who are considering trying the program - she is a role model for those who are in the same position she once was in.”

Today Ruth works part-time and is happy to have her relationship back with her three sons. “I’ve rebuilt my life and am being the mom I used to be. I did it for them, myself and my daughter.”

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