In-person care in West Toronto and virtual care for people across Ontario
Addiction Medicine
The Addiction Medicine Clinic at West End Recovery provides timely access to medical support for individuals with substance abuse issues. This includes assessments, counselling, and prescriptions for medications that may lessen cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Throughout the recovery process, starting with the initial detox phase through rehabilitation and beyond, medications and counselling may be helpful in the treatment of addiction to many substances, including:
- Opiates (fentanyl, morphine, heroin, oxycodone, hydromorphone, etc.)
- Alcohol
- Stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.)
- Cannabis
Opiates and Alcohol are the most common addictions we see in the addiction medicine clinic. Several prescription medications can be helpful in managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Opiates
Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) involves taking methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone/Sublocade) to prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings for opioid drugs. Individuals addicted to opiates can take OAT to help stabilize their lives and reduce the harms of their drug use.
Links to medication information:
Medication-assisted detox involves using other non-opiate supportive medications to decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms
Alcohol
Medically-supervised detox involves taking medication to safely manage and prevent serious withdrawal symptoms from occurring. In certain circumstances, this needs to take place in a hospital or a medically-supervised detox facility
Post-acute withdrawal symptom (PAWS) management includes the use of medications to lessen lingering and bothersome withdrawal symptoms that may persist for weeks or months after one stops drinking alcohol. These symptoms include irritability, restlessness, anxiety, and sleep difficulties.
Anti-craving medications may help to reduce the cravings and rewards associated with alcohol. Commonly used medications include naltrexone and acamprosate.
Psychotherapy and Counselling
The Affiliate Psychotherapy Program at West End Recovery provides individuals with access to both in-person and virtual psychotherapy services. Through partnerships with psychotherapists in private practice, individuals are able to access compassionate and competent care in a trusted setting.
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counselling, is a collaborative and evidence-based therapeutic approach aimed at improving mental health and well-being. It involves a trained professional, typically a therapist or counsellor, working with individuals, couples, families, or groups to address emotional, psychological, and behavioural challenges.