10 Free Addiction Resources in Canada

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you know how difficult it can be to navigate recovery on your own. Luckily, there are some free resources available to help get you on the right track. I'm not going to lie to you, this list was not easy to compile. A majority of the addiction, recovery, and rehabilitation services across Canada are expensive, inaccessible, or have long wait lists (which can, at times, be the difference between life and death). This often leaves people with one of two options: get into a paid service immediately, or put your name on a wait list for free services.

This list was created in partnership with Drug Rehab Services a free resource for drug and alcohol addiction in Canada. They have referred thousands of people to resources that have helped them with their addiction recovery. Their goal is to get the best advice possible so that you or a loved one can live a fulfilled life free from drugs and alcohol.

*Please note that if you are struggling with addiction, you can visit your Family Doctor or local health care provider who can recommend or refer you to other services (including some of the services below). If you or someone you love is using street drugs, please take the time to review our harm reduction tips below to keep you and your loved ones safe.

1 Families for Addiction Recovery

Families for Addiction Recovery is a national charity founded by parents of children who have struggled with addiction. Their goal is long-term recovery for those with addiction and their families. They offer parent-to-parent support for families struggling with addiction, and are a voice for families to influence government policy. FAR offer one-on-one phone support, online parent support groups, and free phone line support. As those struggling with addiction may find it hard to advocate for themselves, FAR is a great starting point for parents/loved ones.

WHO IT IS FOR: Parents/loved ones supporting someone struggling with addiction CONTACT: (855) 377-6677 / info@farcanada.org

2 Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic

Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic (RAAM) help their clients address substance dependence through multiple programs in various locations across Ontario. Self-referral and walk-ins are welcome, health care providers can refer to the RAAM, medical services are paid for by OHIP, and it is for people of all ages, including youth.

WHO IT IS FOR: People of all ages (including youth) in Ontario CONTACT: 1-844-722-2977; or walk-in to one of their locations

3. Renascent Addiction Treatment Centre

Renascent facilitates recovery, education, and prevention relating to substance addictions through a continuum of programs and services for individuals, families and organizations. They offer comprehensive person-centred addiction treatment programs in safe, caring environments. Renascent is one of the largest residential treatment providers in Ontario; they offer gender-specific treatment in one of their four centres in Toronto and Durham, and offer evidence-based treatment with proven outcomes. They offer immediate access through continuous daily admissions. WHO IT IS FOR: People of all ages in Ontario CONTACT: 1-844-340-8765 / info@renascent.ca

4 CAMH Addiction Recovery Services

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

provides a wide range of clinical care services for patients of all ages and families. They have multiple programs for people struggling with addiction, including programs specifically for youth, women, LGBTQ+, aboriginal service, alcohol dependance, nicotine dependance, family addiction services, gambling and technology support, emergency department, and many more. With a dedicated staff of more than 3,000 physicians, clinicians, researchers, educators and support staff, CAMH offers clinical care to more than 34,000 patients each year.

WHO IT IS FOR: People of all ages in Ontario CONTACT: Self-referral accepted through Access CAMH: 416 535-8501, option 2.

5 Harvest House

Harvest House was founded with the goal of preparing residents to re-enter society – a task that requires more than addiction treatment alone. Skills development has always been a significant part of achieving this goal. Harvest House serves young men between the ages of 16 and 30 who struggle with addictions, growing into a 24-bed main facility and an additional 4 re-entry houses.

WHO IT IS FOR: Inpatient Christian Faith-Based Drug Rehab for Men in Ottawa CONTACT: info@harvesthouse.org / 613-521-9114

6 Amethyst Women’s Addiction Centre

Amethyst Women’s Addiction Centre offers alternative addiction services to women. Amethyst is committed to working with diverse and marginalized groups of women. Their aim is to support women, individually and together, to take control of factors affecting our health and well-being. They partner with many community organizations to provide their Health Promotion Programs in various locations throughout the city.

WHO IT IS FOR: Outpatient Drug Rehab for Women (Including Pregnant Women) in both French and English in Ottawa CONTACT: info@amethyst-ottawa.org / (613) 563-0363

7 McDougall House