Adult Addiction Services

Our team consists of:

• Nurse Practitioner
  
• Addiction Medicine Physicians
• Addiction Counsellors
• Social Worker
• Registered Nurses
• Administrative staff
• Peer Support Workers

Types of Services

Services are voluntary, holistic, client-driven and include:

• Individual Addiction Counselling
• Group Counselling
• Individual Family Counselling
• Group Family Counselling
• Social Work
• Suboxone Induction and Stabilization
• Anti-craving medication for alcohol
• Referrals to appropriate resources
• Recovery/Treatment Planning

• OHIP card
• All current medication or a list from the Pharmacy

Clients will be transitioned back to their primary care physician and referred to and/or provide community resource information for ongoing support in a variety of areas.

A word from our patients:
“I’m very grateful to the RAAM clinic, staff are non-judgemental and easy to talk to. They ‘get it’. Highly recommend the staff. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Anyone using prescribed or street opioids can have an overdose, but there are some things that put you at higher risk, such as:

• taking prescription opioids more often or at higher doses than recommended
• taking opioids with alcohol or sedatives, such as:
  • sleeping pills
  • muscle relaxants
  • benzodiazepines
• injecting drugs
• taking an opioid your body isn’t used to, or switching to a stronger drug
• taking higher doses than you are used to
• using drugs of unknown purity or strength
• other health conditions, like liver or kidney disease, or breathing problems

An overdose can also happen if you misuse opioids. For example, extended-release opioid tablets are meant to be swallowed whole. If you crush or break these pills before taking them, it may cause an overdose because too much of the drug is released at once.

The strength and type of opioids available on the street are unknown and can vary. This can increase the risk of overdose and death. Some opioids called fentanyl and carfentanil can be particularly dangerous because they:

• can be fatal even in very small amounts
• are being mixed with, or disguised and sold as street drugs, such as:
  • heroin
  • cocaine
  • counterfeit prescription drugs such as oxycodone

Recognize the signs and symptoms of an overdose, including:

•  difficulty
  • walking
  • talking
  • staying awake
• blue lips or nails
• very small pupils
• cold and clammy skin
• dizziness and confusion
• extreme drowsiness
• choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
• slow, weak or no breathing
• inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at

If you think someone is overdosing, call 9-1-1 right away, or your local emergency help line.

Give the person naloxone if it’s available. Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse an overdose if it is administered right away. You can give naloxone while you wait for professional help to arrive.

An overdose is always an emergency. Even if someone has taken naloxone, it can wear off before the person has completely recovered from their overdose. They may need more than one dose. Always call for help.

Follow the directions in your naloxone kit and from the 9-1-1 or emergency help line operator.

Sometimes people may not realize how harmful their drug use has become. Recognizing that they have a problem is the first step to dealing with it. It is much easier to deal with problematic drug use if you handle it early. The longer people wait, the harder the problem may be to address.

Starting the conversation can be tough, but there are constructive ways you can show you care. Be aware that the conversation might bring out some strong emotions and may not go as you expect. Know that it is okay and it will still show your friend or family member that you care.

Before you start a conversation, know the facts about drugs and their effects. This can help you frame the conversation and relate to the person.

When talking:

• Show concern. Tell them you are worried because you love them, and want the best for them.
• Listen. There may be some underlying reasons for why they’re using drugs, like mental health problems such as depression, or to cope with previous or ongoing trauma or violence. Listen for these potential issues and validate and acknowledge their experiences without probing them. It may help inform the type of help you encourage your friend or family member to seek.
• Be patient. A tough conversation like drug use can make someone angry or defensive. Don’t rush the conversation. If you need to come back to it another day, do so.
• Keep an open dialogue. Tell them you are there for them, and that they can talk to you anytime.
• Don’t stigmatize. Be aware of the language you use when talking to someone about drugs. Be compassionate and open in the way you talk about it so that the person feels understood and accepted. If someone feels they are being treated unkindly, or judged, they are less likely to seek help.

Make a list of the good things in their life. Sometimes people can lose sight of the things they do have in their life and their personal strengths. Remind them that there are friends, family members, groups, activities and other things that make getting help worthwhile. Recognize their strengths and their ability to overcome this

Substance use disorder is a medical condition that requires help from health professionals.

In addition to you being a supportive friend or family member, there are resources in your community that can help.

Encourage your friend to call, visit or read information online from national or local organizations. You can even offer to go with them as support if they are nervous to go alone. Don’t feel the need to take on all of your friend’s or family member’s problems. It’s important to protect your mental and emotional wellbeing when dealing with serious issues.