Substance abuse disorder is a complex condition that results in uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. People with this condition have an intense focus on using a particular substance such as alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, to the point where the person’s ability to function in day-to-day life becomes impaired. Individuals keep using the substance, even when they know it is causing problems.

People with substance abuse and behavioural addictions may be aware of their problem yet unable to stop even if they want to. The addiction can cause physical and psychological issues and interpersonal problems with family members, friends, and coworkers. Alcohol and drug use is one of the leading causes of preventable illnesses and premature deaths nationwide.

If someone has an addiction, they need help. Many people with substance abuse disorder don’t realize that they have a problem, or they are too afraid to reach out. It is often up to close friends and family members to seek out treatment options for their loved one. Drug and alcohol rehab centres are an excellent place to start, but the cost of treatment is frequently seen as a barrier. There are many treatment facilities in the Toronto area, and the price varies depending on who runs the facility and what services are offered.

Addiction Treatment

Substance use has increased relative to pre-pandemic times, but a smaller percentage of people are getting the help they need. Addiction can be fatal, so those impacted by it need to seek treatment. The earlier addiction treatment is initiated, the better the outcomes are.

The first step is to contact a medical professional for assistance. They will help develop a treatment plan that will include a variety of services. The treatments recommended will depend on several factors, such as the severity of the addiction. Interventions range from at-home detox with check-in visits to your doctor, to inpatient rehab lasting for several weeks.

Rehab centres provide many services, such as education, group and individual counseling, and life coaching. Inpatient rehab is generally accepted as the most effective form of addiction treatment, although well-structured outpatient programs can work for some individuals.

In Canada, there are options for both government-funded and private rehab. Publicly funded services vary by province, and your out-of-pocket cost of private rehab depends on the facility and the coverage offered by your insurance company.

Publicly Funded Rehab

The key advantage of this type of addiction treatment is that it is free in Ontario for Canadian citizens and residents. Government-funded facilities such as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) offer many services to people with addictions. These include medical detox, therapy, group counselling, and follow-up after completion of the rehab program. The addiction treatment program typically lasts for about 30 days.

There are some disadvantages of government-run drug and alcohol rehab. The waiting period can be up to six months, and the average staff to patient ratio is 10:1 – significantly higher than most private facilities. Aftercare is much shorter as well – usually about three months, compared with private aftercare, which can last longer than one year. There is also no re-entry after a relapse in most cases, and family support is limited.

Privately Funded Rehab

Getting addiction treatment at a private centre will require the patient to cover the cost either alone or through their insurance company. Many facilities and treatment providers offer financing or income-based pricing in a quest to make treatment financially accessible to more people. Although the price of private rehab seems high, weighing it against the cost of addiction may make it viable.

Wait times for private treatment are significantly shorter than those for public centres. Private addiction treatment facilities can typically facilitate admission immediately or within days.

There are also more options when it comes to treatment. You can sign up for a longer program, with a much better staff to patient ratio at an average of 3:1. Other advantages are the longer and more comprehensive aftercare programs, extensive support for loved ones, and the fact that the patient can return to rehab in the event of a relapse.

Private drug and alcohol rehab centres also have more resources at their disposal. Clients can expect more individual sessions and group treatment with fewer participants. There is a wider variety of therapeutic modalities, more amenities, and more choice when it comes to recreational options. The services and amenities vary from one centre to the next.

Breakdown of Fees

There are several drug and alcohol rehab centres in the Toronto area, and they vary significantly in terms of what services they offer. Some offer a wide range of therapy options and recreational activities, and some are more basic. The cost for a private room in a facility with a spa and golf course will be higher than that of a semi-private room in a centre that offers nature walks.

The price tag of your stay in rehab covers the cost of all services, amenities, and recreational options offered at the facility. If you are shopping around, be sure to ask for a detailed list of services from the rehab centres you approach.

Medical detox

Medical detox allows the patient to stop using the substance they are addicted to with medical support. If an individual suddenly stops taking a drug, they may suffer withdrawal symptoms that range from uncomfortable to dangerous. During medical detox, the patient is supervised closely throughout this process, and withdrawal symptoms are managed as they arise, sometimes with the help of medications. Medical detox can be an expensive part of rehab, but anyone attempting withdrawal at home should be aware that emergency medical services are available whenever they are needed through the provincial health care plan.

Inpatient Rehab

All elements of this type of drug and alcohol rehab take place at the rehab facility. Patients temporarily live at the centre, where they have 24/7 access to support. This is the safest and most effective way to quit using the substance and overcome the addiction. A patient’s stay in rehab usually ranges from 30 days to several months. If the facility offers medical detox, this will be included in the fee.

Outpatient Rehab

For mild to moderate addictions, patients can enter an outpatient rehab program, where they continue to live at home and attend appointments with doctors and other addiction professionals. Some patients transition to outpatient programs when they are discharged from their inpatient rehab facilities. The fees for outpatient rehab depend on how severe the addiction is and what is included in the treatment plan.

Medication

Medications may be used to manage withdrawal and some mental health conditions, like anxiety. The medications used may be a significant factor in the cost. Although prescription medications are not covered by the provincial health plan for most people, the majority of insurance plans include a prescription drug allowance.

Getting Help

If you are living with an addiction, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Thousand Islands Rehab Centre is a full-service drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility just a two-hour drive from Toronto. You do not have to try to overcome your addiction by yourself. We are here to help you safely withdraw from the substance you have been using, and help you gain the skills and tools to lead a happy, productive life free from addiction.

Whether it is for a family member or yourself, call us today. Substance abuse disorder can be fatal, but it is very treatable, especially if you seek help early.