The Rehab Waitlist Length Is Too Long: What Now?

The Rehab Waitlist Length Is Too Long: What Now?

• Kate Pindera
• 14 Jun 2024

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 39.5 million people around the world have drug use addiction. In Canada, at least 200 lives are lost per day due to tobacco, drug, and alcohol addiction. Looking at these figures, we can’t ignore the exceedingly alarming prevalence of addiction and its devastating effects on our communities.

Unfortunately, even when a person is willing to go to rehab now, government-funded drug rehab centres in the country are unable to accommodate everyone. Due to the lack of economic support, there’s a long rehab waiting list of people needing immediate addiction services.

The Average Rehab Waitlist Length

For most, an effective way to successfully combat addiction is to attend an alcoholism or drug rehab centre. Individuals who cannot afford to pay for private addiction treatment centres have no choice but to count on publicly-funded drug rehab centres. Unfortunately, the problematic rehab waitlist length can be extremely difficult for addicts to cope with, who may feel like they are left to fend for themselves.

How Long Is the Waiting List for Rehab Centres? 

It depends on where you’re looking. According to the Canadian Institute of Health Information, about half of Canadians wait a month for community counselling services, but some wait longer.

New Brunswick Health Minister Bruce Fitch says about 200 people are waiting three to eight months for addiction treatment. Sadly, this long rehab waiting list isn’t only happening in New Brunswick but all over Canada. For instance, an addiction treatment centre in Windsor has about 43 provincially funded beds, with a few financed through other initiatives. Its waiting list, however, has grown to 248 people.

Why Immediate Rehab Help Is Needed 

When a person struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction seeks help, timing is critical. Within days, they could relapse or, worse, overdose.

Christine Soulliere shares her experience with her son, Austin, who has been battling with substance use disorder for 12 years and was in and out of drug addiction treatment. After experiencing a relapse, Austin took a lethal dose of fentanyl and lost his life. This shows how crucial having immediate rehab options is—it can mean life or death.

10 Things to Do While on a Rehab Waiting List 

Drug rehab centre protocols for waitlisting a patient can be frustrating for a person with addiction. They’re often advised to keep calling treatment facilities until a slot becomes available. It can be a cause of desperation as needing rehab now makes it more difficult for them to focus on getting better. Oftentimes, they try to cope the only way they know how—abusing substances.

It doesn’t have to be this way. People on the rehab waiting list can do the following things to stay on track toward recovery.

Go to Medical Detox Centres

A medically supervised alcohol and drug detoxification program is an essential step in any addiction treatment plan. It helps the patient flush out all traces of the addictive substances in the body effectively while safely managing potential withdrawal symptoms. 

However, detoxing without addressing the root cause of addiction can be futile. Ideally, medical detox works best when one can get admitted to rehab now or the soonest possible time.

Call a Telehealth or Helpline Number 

Whether in need of professional advice on how to start overcoming addiction or someone to talk to concerning mental health, call these confidential, toll-free hotlines: 

• National Overdose Response Service (NORS): 1-888-688-NORS (6677)
• ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (Also available via live web chat and email)
  

All calls are taken by professional nurses ready to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These hotlines are available to anyone—over 25% of helpline calls are from family members or concerned friends of addicts. The types of support they offer ranges from:

• Various health topics including mental health concerns
• Just to listen and offer emotional support
• Provide basic educational awareness on addiction
• Connect to the nearest self-help groups, family counselling services, and drug rehab centres

Keep in mind these are not crisis hotlines for emergencies. For urgent concerns, call a local crisis number immediately.

Head to in-Person Drug and Alcohol Support in RAAM Clinics 

In the province of Ontario, there are rapid access addiction medicine (RAAM) clinics, which offer accessible non-urgent, short-term treatment services for people dealing with substance use issues, including alcohol, opioids and other addictive drugs. RAAM clinics have a team of registered medical professionals composed of doctors, psychiatrists, internists, nurses and counsellors. 

They can provide evidence-based medical and psychosocial addiction treatment strategies on the initial visit, including services such as:

• Diagnoses for substance use disorders
• Referral to primary care or residential drug rehab centres
• Recommend treatment options
• Initiate pharmacotherapy to reduce patient’s cravings and withdrawal symptoms
• Same-day counselling
• Provide trauma-informed care
• Basic education to prevent overdoses
• Connect patients to community services for addiction, psychosocial and social services

Typically, one does not need a physician referral or an appointment to visit a RAAM clinic. They’re accessible on a walk-in basis, with patients typically seen a few days after contacting the clinic. The addiction counsellors can also give suggestions on possible steps to take while on the waiting list of a public drug rehab centre. RAAM clinics are part of Canada’s health care system and an excellent example of an OHIP-covered addiction treatment plan.

Practice Self-Care

Apart from options for rehab, there are things a person with substance abuse disorder can do to help them keep off their addiction. A good example is engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, yoga, hiking, or dancing.

Exercise can boost one’s mood and improve overall well-being, which is why a personalized fitness program is also offered at addiction rehab facilities such as Freedom From Addiction.

Another activity that can help maintain sobriety is practicing deep breathing exercises. This can help cultivate self-awareness while reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Journaling also proves to be therapeutic, allowing individuals battling with addiction to gain insights, explore their thoughts and feelings, and track patterns.

Create a Supportive Environment 

People still waiting to hear from a provincially funded addiction treatment facility can help maintain sobriety by having a tidy environment, reducing stress, and creating a sense of calm. 

A space that feels nurturing and comforting can help uplift one’s mood. Moreover, establishing a daily routine that promotes structure and well-being is helpful. Simple things, such as having regular meals, sleeping adequately, taking care of oneself, and enjoying leisure time, can go a long way.

Educate Yourself 

Learning more about mental health, therapy techniques, and coping strategies can be empowering. People with addiction can do this by reading articles, listening to podcasts, or browsing online resources providing insights and tools for self-improvement. 

Patients can also attend workshops, webinars, or seminars on mental health topics, which can help them gain practical skills and perspectives. Learning more about mental health can make them understand their experiences better, helping them develop coping strategies, and make informed decisions about their well-being. 

 

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Practice Coping Skills 

Developing coping skills can help an individual manage the stress and anxiety that comes with the long rehab waiting list. Practicing mindfulness exercises can cultivate awareness and reduce any unnecessary overthinking. This helps individuals challenge negative self-talk and replace it with positive, affirming statements. 

Building coping skills equips individuals with tools to navigate challenging emotions and situations with grace and resilience. These skills act as a supportive foundation, helping individuals manage stress, anxiety, and uncertainty effectively. They enable individuals to face difficulties with a sense of strength and confidence, promoting their overall well-being and inner strength during the waiting period for therapy.

Stay Engaged 

Having a sense of purpose and fulfillment gives people struggling with addiction a reason to strive for recovery. That’s why staying engaged in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment, such as volunteering for causes they’re passionate about, can help bring meaning to their lives.

They can stay engaged through creative expression, such as art, music, writing, and other hobbies. These activities provide patients with an avenue to express themselves safely.

Monitor Your Mental Health 

During the wait for rehab options, individuals should pay attention to their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Moments of self-reflection can help understand one’s mental and emotional state. If any changes or concerns arise, seek help from a mental health provider, counsellor, or crisis hotline. 

Connect with Supportive People 

Aside from a supportive environment, seeking support from others can provide comfort and validation during the waiting period for therapy. It’s recommended for patients to reach out to their friends, family members, or support groups for emotional support and connection. This way, they can share their feelings, concerns, and experiences with trusted individuals who can offer empathy and understanding. 

Consider joining support groups or online communities related to mental health challenges. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

What Addiction Support Groups to Join 

Addiction support groups can be beneficial for anyone who is waiting for rehab now. Attending one can provide them with an outlet to process and validate repressed emotions. Being surrounded by other people on the same journey to recovery can make an individual feel less alone and even inspire them to continue healing toward sobriety. 

Most of these group counselling sessions are facilitated by trained addiction counsellors who can offer support and guidance while dealing with the uncertainty of the rehab waitlist length.

Many of these support groups or community treatment programs are offered for free. Some examples include:

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide organization helping men and women with a history of alcohol abuse. AA prides itself on its strong community values by protecting the identity of its members and providing a safe space for everyone to share their experiences. Its only requirement is the desire to stop drinking.

SMART Recovery 

Self-Management And Recovery Training is a self-help recovery program available at several locations across Canada. They offer emotional support groups led by recovered addicts that aim to help others overcome substance abuse addictions like drugs or alcohol or behavioural addictions such as gambling or over-eating.

The Jean Tweed Centre 

This organization was founded specifically to help women suffering from substance abuse and looking for helpful resources while on the waitlist for public drug rehab centres. They have free services including a weekly support and stabilization group for women. It has no waiting time and encourages people to come as often as they like.

For Rehab Now, Choose Freedom From Addiction 

Don’t let the rehab waiting list stop you from starting your journey toward recovery! Get instant help from a trusted care and rehabilitation centre available 24/7/265 only minutes from Toronto.

Freedom From Addiction is a private addiction treatment centre offering personalized, evidence-based therapies to its patients. With a team of experienced medical detox experts, counsellors, and other medical practitioners, we can provide the support you or your loved ones need to start their journey to recovery as soon as possible.

For more information about our drug addiction treatments, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us today.