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Frequently Asked Questions

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Asking questions about substance abuse treatment is one of the first steps toward finding the right help. Education enables you to make more informed choices for yourselves or better understand a loved one’s struggle with alcohol or drugs. We have broken down the most common questions about addiction treatment, drug and alcohol rehab and different types of therapies below.

Most Common Questions

These are the most popular questions people ask about addiction and rehab.

Rehab can be inpatient or outpatient. Inpatient programs are residential, but outpatient programs allow participants to go home at the end of every treatment session. Every facility has its own approach, but all rehabs are safe, supportive environments designed to help you overcome your struggles and reach your recovery goals.

The first part of the process involves identifying your treatment needs and setting measurable goals. These two steps ensure that you will receive the most effective level of care and techniques for your unique struggles.

Most rehabs are highly flexible and believe that individualized treatment plans are the best way to handle the complex, personal nature of addiction. Choosing a rehab that personalises your care is the best way to ensure you get exactly what you need — and deserve — out of treatment.

Rehab normally lasts between 30 to 90 days, but ongoing support can last for 12 months or more. Many people who complete one intensive rehab program go on to attend counseling and participate in support groups for years, sometimes a lifetime.

Your needs and how long you stay in rehab will all depend on your unique situation. You should not consider one program a failure if it doesn’t work for you the first time, either. You may need a longer course of treatment, a different approach or a different facility.

The medical team you meet when you first arrive will ask questions about your experiences to recommend the best type of program, including the ideal length and types of therapy you receive.

Addiction research shows that most people need a minimum of 3 months in rehab to experience long-term results. This gives you enough time to not only detox and address your substance abuse but also work on healing emotionally and building effective coping skills.

Treatment costs vary depending on the rehab you attend, the program you are in and the length of your treatment. Therapy can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 CAD per session, and long-term programs for alcohol and drugs can cost several thousand dollars.

There are several core components that influence the cost of rehab in Canada:

  • Amenities: Luxury-style rehabs with amenities like spas, swimming pools, gyms, massage therapy, private suits and high-end meals will cost more than those without such features; your desired level of comfort and access to particular features will influence how much you pay on top of treatment fees.
  • Program Duration: The longer the treatment program, the more it will ultimately cost. However, this can vary depending on the type of rehab as well. For example, a 30-day program at a resort-style rehab could cost more than a 90-day program at a standard rehab center.
  • Location: If you have to travel to a more remote location, or you attend a luxury facility in the mountains or on the beach, the cost of your stay will run higher.
  • Type of Treatment: Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab tends to cost between $300 to $1,000 per day while outpatient programs are roughly half that cost. If you receive multiple types of therapy, such as treatment for addiction as well as psychological disorders, then your final cost will also be higher.

Paying for rehab is a common concern, but you should not let that stop you from reaching out. There are options available for every budget as well as financing plans to make treatment more affordable.

What to Expect in Rehab

Attending addiction treatment can be scary, and many people avoid going because they don’t know what lies ahead. We hope that these answers can answer your questions and help you take the first step toward seeking treatment.

The nature of addiction is complex, and while some people are sober for life after treatment, others relapse and need ongoing support. Although it may be a lifelong experience, you can learn helpful ways to manage addiction cravings and cope with triggers.

Through rehab, you develop the skills and education necessary to understand yourself better. With newfound awareness, you are able to seek out resources and get help when you need it. This can help you avoid relapsing or falling back on old habits or unhealthy thoughts.

Helplines are there to offer support and guidance; the first thing you should do is write down any important details related to your current substance use habits. The helpline will ask you questions about your addiction history and mental health to decide what types of programs and rehabs would be a good fit for you.

Be prepared to provide details such as:

  • The types of substance(s) you take
  • How long you have been drinking and/or taking drugs
  • Any existing mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety or a condition like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
  • Any current or ongoing health conditions, such as diabetes
  • Whether you are currently or could be pregnant
  • Any specific requirements for treatment, like a mental health program or a women’s- or men-s only rehab
  • Contact information including your legal name and phone number

Public programs are free, but private rehabs set their own prices. Although you may find the cost of treatment to be out of your budget, there are options available. You can work with our helpline to find programs that offer sliding scales, meaning they adjust the cost of treatment to suit what you can pay.

There are also many financing options that allow you to pay for treatment over a period of time. What matters most is reaching out and exploring what options are available. The ultimate goal of rehab is to help people, so you are not automatically ruled out if you are unemployed or do not have a lot of money to spare.

You are more likely to lose your job if you do not go to rehab. Left untreated, addiction only worsens, and it may eventually become too difficult for you to perform your job and handle your substance abuse.

You may also fail a random drug test or make mistakes while intoxicated that result in termination.

If you are unable to take off work to attend a treatment program, there are outpatient rehabs available. These allow you to maintain your usual schedule while receiving treatment when you can.

Not everyone can get time off work to receive treatment, but this does not mean all hope is lost. First, consider your role in your job and relationship with your employer. If you can be open with them about your addiction, then telling them that you need to request time off to attend treatment is one option.

You will have to let them know how long you will be gone and how getting treatment will be beneficial to you. In Canada, drug and alcohol addictions are considered disabilities, so your employer cannot discriminate against you for having a substance abuse issue. However, if you violate a company’s drug and alcohol policy, you may still face losing your job.

Ultimately, you have to work with your unique situation and decide what’s best for you. If you do not want to be open with your employer about rehab, you can still seek treatment by attending outpatient programs.

Relapse is a normal part of the recovery process for the majority of people; it is not a failure but rather a stepping stone to help you practice the skills you’ve learned. While using drugs or drinking may be a familiar behavior, the response you take afterward can be different. This is what separates relapse from regular addiction. 

Your rehab will help you prepare to face the possibility of relapse and prevent it. If you do use substances again, however, there will be resources available that you can access. From sobriety coaches to support groups, there are always options to get help after relapse.

Treatment Options

Also known as residential treatment, inpatient rehab requires staying at the facility for the length of treatment. You will live on-site, attend therapy and work toward recovery throughout the day. This type of program is most effective for people with moderate to severe addictions, or those who also suffer from mental health disorders.

An outpatient program offers greater flexibility in that you can attend programs at different times of day. You also get to go home at night and can still continue working while you receive treatment. Outpatient addiction rehab includes both individual counseling and group therapy programs.

Sometimes, a combination of both works, and it’s not uncommon for people to transition from an inpatient rehab directly to an outpatient program. However, your own needs will differ, and the team you work with will help you decide on the right course of action.

Reaching out to us can also help you decide what type of rehab may be the best fit for you.

Everyone must go through detox before they can start rehab. Some rehabs offer detox as part of their treatment while others require you to complete a detox program before you start therapy.

Aftercare refers to a number of services and supportive resources that you can use after your initial treatment. Relapse prevention, individual counseling and support groups are examples of aftercare. Some rehabs also offer sober living homes for people who are transitioning out of rehab.

Substance abuse therapy helps you understand the triggers, behaviors and emotions linked to your addiction. You learn how drugs and alcohol have shaped your actions, and you learn how to avoid repeating unhelpful behaviors in the future.

Families may also participate in substance abuse therapy to learn how they can be a valuable support system to their loved one in recovery.

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