What does recovery look like?
The pathway to recovery is different for everyone. Factors including socio-economic status, gender, age, ability, ethnicity and trauma can impact the risk and severity of problematic substance use and recovery. Experiences of past and current trauma often have a significant impact in the lives of people with substance use disorders.
Taking the first step
The first step often begins with a decision by the person who is experiencing problematic substance use that they want to get help.
Once they’re ready, the next step is often followed by a conversation with a health care provider, outreach or harm reduction support worker.
Following an assessment, patients are referred to treatment options depending on a variety of factors, such as their age, social connections (e.g., pregnant or parent of young children), health condition, substance of addiction and previous treatment history.
Services can range from less intensive treatment options accessed while living in the community, to more intensive treatment provided in a hospital. Many services are available at low or no cost through informal networks, such as group counselling and peer support. Other treatment options include opioid substitution therapy, individual counselling, supportive recovery services and intensive residential treatment.
For specific information on recovery and addiction treatment services our partners will be on the mobile unit
to assist.