More About Rehabs for Heroin Addiction
If the great outdoors bring you serenity, Canada—especially British Columbia—might be the best rehab option for you. We've compiled a list below of the best luxury, private rehabs throughout Canada offering drug rehab and addiction treatment of all kinds with both 12 Step and holistic programs.
While private treatment in Canada is still more affordable than many rehabs in the U.S., the Canadian government has put together a province by province hotline that can provide direction as well as government-funded options if the cost is restrictive.
Luxury Rehabs in Toronto | Private Clinics in Nova Scotia | Best Rehabs in British Columbia
Insurance Coverage
History & Background
In the mid-1960s, the U.S. and Canada each introduced their versions of Medicare, with the U.S. system covering seniors and those with certain health conditions, facing industry backlash. Canada's system, praised for its inclusivity, allows all Canadians access, though provinces decide on necessary services. What is the difference between the US and Canada? The U.S. funds Medicare through payroll taxes, whereas Canada's publicly funded, single-payer system covers healthcare costs, highlighting significant differences in funding and coverage between the two nations.
The Canadian Health Act (CHA) aims to ensure the health and well-being of Canada's residents by providing equitable access to health services without financial obstacles. It sets conditions for provinces and territories to receive federal funds, emphasizing prepaid access to necessary health services to all eligible Canadians, thereby removing direct service charges. This framework is foundational to Canada's health policy, focusing on protecting and promoting physical and mental health.
How does Canadian Medicare Work?
Canada's Medicare system, a publicly funded healthcare structure, comprises 13 provincial and territorial plans, offering residents access to essential medical services without direct charges. Healthcare responsibilities are divided, with provinces and territories managing service delivery, while the federal government sets national standards, provides funding, and caters to specific groups under the Canada Health Act. This collaborative framework ensures universal healthcare coverage across the country.
It is important to note that Canadian Medicare, funded by federal and provincial taxes, may not cover all medical expenses, leading to additional out-of-pocket costs for dental and vision care services. While public health insurance eliminates deductibles, Canadians still contribute through taxes, averaging $5,789 annually per the Fraser Institute. This system ensures higher earners contribute more, supporting more affordable healthcare access for lower-income families and offering a cost-effective approach compared to the average American's health expenditure.
Generally speaking, according to the Government of Canada, the federal government is responsible for:
•Setting and administering national standards for the health care system through the Canada Health Act
•Providing funding support for provincial and territorial health care services
•Supporting the delivery of health care services to specific groups
•Providing other health-related functions
Public & Private Payment Options
In Canada, accessing timely, affordable, and effective drug and alcohol addiction treatment is feasible, with options for both publicly and privately funded treatments available. While the country's Medicare system covers addiction and psychiatric disorders, allowing for free treatment at public centres, these can have long wait times due to limited availability. Conversely, private centres offer quicker access but at a higher cost, either out-of-pocket or through insurance. It's crucial for individuals seeking rehab in Canada to carefully consider their treatment preferences and make an informed choice between public and private care options.
The 4 Pillars of Care
The Canadian approach to substance use and addiction encompasses what is referred to as the 4 pillars, which include prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and enforcement. Treatment options vary, including outpatient services in community settings, inpatient care for those with additional health issues, residential rehab for complex addictions, withdrawal management centres for safe detox, and continuing care to support long-term recovery. Each setting caters to different needs, ensuring individuals receive tailored support.
Care for Diverse Communities
In Canada, addiction treatment is tailored to diverse communities, including culturally informed programs for Indigenous populations, specialized services for veterans facing trauma and addiction, and initiatives by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) for broader substance misuse challenges. These efforts are supported by government and non-governmental organizations to ensure accessible, culturally sensitive, and effective treatment and support across the nation.
The Canadian Health Act (CHA) and Canada's Medicare system work together to provide residents with equitable, universal healthcare, emphasizing accessibility without financial barriers. Managed by provincial and territorial governments with federal oversight, this system covers essential services, though some, like dental and vision care, may incur out-of-pocket costs. It's designed to be affordable, with a tax structure with higher earners contributing more to ensure lower-income families can access care, aiming to be a cost-effective healthcare solution.
In Canada, addiction treatment is tailored to diverse communities, including culturally informed programs for Indigenous populations, specialized services for veterans facing trauma and addiction, and initiatives by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) for broader substance misuse challenges. These efforts are supported by government and non-governmental organizations to ensure accessible, culturally sensitive, and effective treatment and support across the nation.
Though it was first synthesized in the late 19th century, heroin has roots that go back thousands of years to the use of opium in ancient civilizations. Despite its bad reputation now, people weren’t always aware of heroin’s dangers, and it wasn’t always illegal. In fact, pharmaceutical companies initially marketed it as a wonder drug that could cure many ailments. Today, however, heroin is known as a very hazardous, addictive drug.
What is Heroin?
Heroin is a powerful and highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine, which is extracted from the opium poppy plant. It’s typically a white or brown powder, although it can also appear as a black, sticky substance known as "black tar heroin." Heroin may be referred to as “dope,” “smack,” “H,” “horse,” and “junk.”
Heroin is usually injected with a syringe, snorted, smoked when heated on aluminum foil, or inhaled when heated. Heroin binds to pleasure and pain regulation receptors in the brain and body. It produces a rapid and intense high, often accompanied by a warm, flushing sensation, dry mouth, and a heavy feeling in limbs.
Effects of Heroin
Short-term effects of using heroin can include dry mouth, itching, nausea, vomiting, slowed breathing, and nodding in and out of consciousness. When heroin is used chronically over long periods of time, effects can include gastrointestinal issues, increased risk of developing mental health disorders, respiratory problems, and kidney or liver damage or disease.
Heroin Overdose
Anybody who uses heroin is at risk of experiencing a life-threatening opioid overdose. People who are at increased risk of overdose include those who mix heroin with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioid drugs, whether legal or illegal.
If a person is experiencing a heroin overdose, it’s important to seek medical care immediately by calling 911. If you or a loved one have experienced an overdose before, it may be a strong indicator that treatment is necessary.
Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin withdrawal occurs when a person suddenly reduces or stops using heroin, resulting in withdrawal symptoms. This occurs as a result of continued use, where a person can develop tolerance. This means that they will require more heroin to feel its effects. Over time, a person will develop a physiological dependence, which means they will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the substance(1). Some withdrawal symptoms include sweats and chills, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, and anxiety.
Heroin Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one are struggling with heroin use and want to quit, doing so under the care of qualified treatment professionals can provide a safe place to do so. Trying to quit heroin “cold turkey” or without medical supervision may increase the chances of experiencing mild to severe withdrawal symptoms and increase the risk of relapse(2).
Depending on your personal treatment needs, you may benefit from one of the following levels of care:
- Inpatient: You’ll live in a treatment centre or hospital-like setting and have 24/7 monitoring.
- Partial hospitalization (PHP): You’ll meet 5-7 times a week for a full day.
- Intensive outpatient (IOP): You’ll meet 3-5x per week for several hours at a time for more intensive care.
- Outpatient (OP): You’ll meet 1-2x per week with your provider and others in treatment.
Managing heroin addiction can be a complex and individualized process. Working with a licensed professional who’s experienced in heroin addiction can help guide you through the healing process. They will provide you with appropriate tools, techniques, and support tailored to your specific needs. You may engage in talk therapies such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Contingency management (CM)
- Relapse prevention counseling
- Motivational interviewing
You may also choose to incorporate medication into your overall treatment plan, as medication can be an important component of both heroin detox and OUD treatment because it can help a person manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Medications a person may receive include(3):
- Buprenorphine, which partially activates opioid receptors in the brain to manage withdrawal symptoms during detox.
- Methadone, which completely activates opioid receptors but does it more gradually than other opioids, so there is less chance of a “high” when used during detox.
- Naltrexone, which blocks the effects of opioids, so a person won’t feel the euphoric effects of heroin if they use it.
Can You Relapse on Heroin?
Yes, it is possible to relapse on heroin. If this happens, talk to your doctor and seek professional treatment. You may participate in programs that focus on relapse prevention planning along with skills building and evidence-based therapies.
Relapse isn’t a failure, but rather an opportunity to find treatment that better fits your needs and keeps you on the path to sobriety.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
If you’re looking for heroin treatment, talk to your primary care doctor. They can refer you to a substance use rehab to start your recovery. When talking to your provider, consider asking these questions:
- What are the benefits of the different types of treatment available? What are the risks?
- Are there any specific medical or psychiatric assessments I should do before starting treatment?
- What does relapse prevention planning look like?
- Is there treatment that can address any co-occurring disorders that I have?
- Does insurance cover treatment?
How Can I Find Support?
- Rehabs for Heroin
- Telehealth Provider
- Talk to a supportive friend or family member
- Talk to your primary care physician
- National Helplines
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2017). Tolerance, Dependence, and Addiction: What’s the Difference?
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Treatment and Recovery.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Heroin research report: What are the treatments for heroin use disorder?