How Canada’s Government Rehab Centres are Failing Addicts

How Canada’s Government Rehab Centres are Failing Addicts

• Anthony Sarra
• 3 May 2024

Early intervention and prompt access to addiction treatment services can mean life and death for people struggling with substance abuse. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done for countless Canadians who cannot afford private addiction centres and whose lives are hanging by a thread given the long waiting list in a government-funded rehab centre in Ontario and beyond.

The Biggest Issue with Government Rehab Centres

Long wait times are a common concern with Canada’s healthcare system. From knee and hip replacements to cataract surgeries, Canadians often face significant wait times for medical care if they can’t pay out of pocket.

After a general practitioner referral is received, it can then take over 14 weeks to see a specialist. The wait from a specialist appointment to receiving treatment averages 13 weeks. 

The same goes for mental health services and support from provincially funded rehab centres. The lack of funding can’t be overstated, with Canadians having to wait as long as 22 days to get community mental health counselling. This ongoing problem all over Canada highlights why it’s not surprising its third-largest province, British Columbia, is now a focal point in the country’s fight against the opioid crisis.

Since declaring a public health emergency in 2016, over 14,000 lives have been lost as of January 2024, making this the leading cause of unnatural death in the province. This means that about six people lose their lives to substance abuse every day in British Columbia.

Numerous other cities require adequate and government-funded mental health services. Many people’s wait times can go on for much longer, especially if they are seeking specific addiction treatment services, say, for a concurrent disorder diagnosis of mental health illness or an underlying medical condition.

Prioritizing Minorities: First Nations First 

Alcohol abuse and drug addiction are a particular concern to First Nations and Indigenous communities. Studies show that:

• Indigenous people generally have poorer health and suffer more from substance use issues.
• There were 373 toxic drug poisoning deaths among First Nations People in 2022, a 6.3% increase from the previous year.
• Waitlists on reserves can take up to a year, resulting in the proliferation of addiction.
• Cannabis is the most frequently used substance among Indigenous people.
• The opioid toxicity death rate in Alberta is seven times higher among Indigenous people, with 50% of those affected being between 20 and 39 years old.

Health Canada prioritizes funding for institutions addressing addiction among Indigenous communities. There are approximately 52 federally funded community-led projects and government rehab centers across the country. At this time, the ministry doesn’t monitor how long people have to wait to get admitted nor how many get referred to other provinces when the local centres are at maximum capacity.

Young Addicts at Risk 

Canadians aged 16 to 24 have the highest rates of mental health and addiction concerns across all age groups. These young addicts, specifically those already in the justice system, should be entitled to easy access to addiction treatment services in government rehab centres. However, they face many obstacles in getting the right treatment program, such as a lack of available and appropriate mental health services, long wait times, high costs, and more.

CBC’s article discovered that a promise was made during the 2016 election to create another 500 addiction treatment spaces in British Columbia by 2017. Despite the government’s declaration of a drug emergency eight years ago, there’s still a rise in the number of deaths due to drug abuse. This situation underscores the urgent need for more resources and support.

There are still not enough beds. Edmonton mom Tanya Hornbuckle shared the story of her son, Joel Wolstenholme, who lost his life battling with drug addiction. She shared with CBC that her son struggled to get necessary addiction services from government-funded rehab centres. 

Joel has been addicted to drugs since he was 14 and tried time and time again to seek help and get clean. Tanya recalls her son and herself lining up at 8 a.m. only to find themselves turned away because there weren’t enough beds.

Why Is the Wait Time So Long?

There’s no way of finding out when a slot becomes available in government-funded rehab centres. Families with loved ones battling with drug and alcohol addiction often have to call several addiction treatment facilities across the country every day to check if a spot has become available in any provincially funded rehab programs. 

There are few beds available to accommodate everyone under the public health care system. Those who can’t financially afford private rehab facilities wait for their chance to get into a treatment program. Several external factors can potentially contribute to the exceptionally long wait times Canadians have to endure before getting admitted into government rehab centres. Let’s look at a few.

The Opioid Epidemic 

The opioid crisis in Canada has put a significant emphasis on the pressing need for addiction treatment services in government rehab centres. British Columbia chief coroner Lisa Lapointe has called for a “systems change,” emphasizing drug addiction as a health issue and not a criminal issue. The B.C. Coroner’s Service has said that 2023 set a record of toxic drug deaths, with about 2,511 dying because of it.

Related: A Brief History of Canadian Opioid Crisis

Insufficient Funding 

Despite billions of dollars being allocated to health care services, only a minuscule fraction (7%) of this is portioned out for mental health disorders (which is shared with addiction treatment services). 

In their 2021 election campaign, the Liberals pledged $4.5 billion CAD to establish a Canada Mental Health Transfer, demonstrating a significant commitment to supporting mental health initiatives across Canadian provinces and territories for five years. However, this promised funding has yet to materialize.

Why Choose a Private Rehab Facility over a Government-Funded Rehab Centre

When it comes to drug and alcohol treatment, many people consider government-funded rehab centres first, often due to the high costs associated with private facilities for a residential treatment program.

However, choosing a private rehab facility over a government-funded one can significantly enhance your loved one’s journey to recovery, offering them a more personalized and comprehensive approach to healing.

Personalized Care and Attention 

Private rehab facilities often provide a higher staff-to-patient ratio compared to government-funded centres. This means individuals requiring addiction services will receive individualized care tailored to their needs. 

With this personalized approach, your loved ones can have a better chance at effective treatment and long-term sobriety, all while feeling truly cared for and supported on their journey to recovery.

Shorter Waiting Times 

At private drug rehab centres, people won’t have to wait to begin their journey to recovery. Unlike government-funded rehab centres in Ontario and other areas in Canada, private rehab centres can welcome your loved ones right away, ensuring they get the help they need. They can start their healing process when they decide they’re ready.

Supervised Environment 

Private facilities provide a structured environment where patients receive compassionate care while experiencing any dangerous or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Under the attentive supervision of professional medical detox experts and other practitioners, your loved ones will know they’re supported every step through their treatment program.

Comprehensive Treatment Options 

At a private rehab centre, every patient’s well-being is important. Individuals struggling with addiction are offered a wide range of treatment options. This can include evidence-based therapies, personalized fitness routines, individual and group counselling sessions, and more to help patients know they’re supported.

Continuous Support and Aftercare 

Recovery is a lifelong journey, and leaving a rehab facility is just the beginning of it. Private rehab centres are dedicated to providing extensive aftercare programs and support to help every former patient maintain their sobriety.

Private addiction treatment centres are no strangers to relapse and aim to prevent it by offering continuous care to help build a stable, healthy life after rehabilitation. 

A Safe Space for Recovery 

A private rehab facility is designed to provide a caring and supportive environment for every person’s journey to recovery. With high-quality amenities and accommodations, patients can enjoy the comfort of private rooms and engage in recreational activities.

Choose Freedom From Addiction for a Safe Recovery 

While provincial healthcare services are commendable for prioritizing needs over the ability to pay, it does have its downfalls. Drug overdose in Canada remains a critical concern. 

Many individuals struggling with addiction need urgent support but face long waitlists for government-funded rehab facilities in Ontario and other parts of Canada. This wait can lead to devastating relapses.

Don’t put your or your loved one’s life on the line. At Freedom From Addiction, we provide addiction treatment services to help start the journey toward healing and recovery. 

For more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.