Questions About Substance Use Treatment Programs

Overview

When visiting a treatment centre to see whether the program offered there meets your needs, ask these questions.

• Are the counsellors certified addiction counsellors? Counsellors who are certified have special training in counselling people who have substance use disorders.
• Are any medical doctors associated with the program? If so, are they certified by the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM)? Doctors who are certified have special training in treating people who have substance use disorders.
• What treatment therapies are used in the program? Is it a peer support program (12-step programs, SMART Recovery, LifeRing) alone or does the program contain cognitive therapy and/or medicine therapy?
• How much time do you spend in the program a day? How many weeks or months does the program last? Does the program have aftercare?
• What has been the success rate for people going through the program? How has success been evaluated (number completing the program, years not drinking)?
• Does the treatment program address any special concerns that a person from a certain culture or religious background might have?
• Does the program evaluate and treat people who also have other conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or long-term pain disorders?
• Are family members involved in the program? In what ways are they involved?
• What is the cost of treatment? Will your provincial health plan or private health insurance cover the cost?