A note on language: In this FAQ, you will see that we are using terminology that is difficult for us as treatment providers to use. At Renascent, we do not refer to people as “addicts.” We talk about people impacted by alcohol and drug addiction. However, when people are seeking answers, they turn to Google, and one of the most common questions they type into their search bar is “Am I an addict?
Our treatment programs provide our clients and their families with support — from the detox process right through to aftercare. We want people to be able to find us, using the language they use when they’re first looking for help. Read more on person-first language here.
Q: Am I an addict?
A: People who don’t have a problem with drugs, alcohol or any kind of mind- or mood-altering substances typically don’t ask “Am I an addict?” If questions like “is this becoming a problem for me?” are on your mind, it’s worth investigating.
Q: What are the signs of a problem with alcohol?
A: Are you:
- Finding reasons or making excuses for drinking, including to relax, deal with stress or feel “normal”?
- Choosing drinking alcohol over other responsibilities and obligations such as work, family and friends?
- Requiring more and more alcohol to feel the desired effect?
- Having withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink – sleeplessness, tremors, nausea and seizures within a few hours of your last drink?
Answering yes to any of these questions signals alcohol addiction and problem drinking.
Q: What are the signs of a problem with drug use?
A: Do you have:
- Feelings of anxiety, irritability, or depression?
- Trouble thinking clearly?
- Blackouts?
- Problems with relationships?
- Times when you spend money on substances rather than on food, rent, or other essentials?
- Legal problems related to substance use?
- Loss of hope, feelings of emptiness, or injuries while under the influence?
Answering yes to any of these questions signals a drug addiction.
Q: How do I know if a friend or loved one is an addict?
A: The stigma around drug and alcohol abuse and addiction means that inaccurate stereotypes (like the addict sleeping on the street) persist. Most people in active addiction — about 70% — maintain their employment. Job loss and the experience of homelessness are extreme consequences usually suffered only by those far along in the progression of their disease.
The DSM 5 recognizes that people are not all automatically or equally vulnerable to developing substance-related disorders. Some people have lower levels of self-control that predispose them to develop problems if they’re exposed to drugs.
There are two groups of substance-related disorders: substance-use disorders and substance-induced disorders.
Substance-use disorders are patterns of symptoms resulting from the use of a substance that you continue to take, despite experiencing problems as a result.
Substance-induced disorders, including intoxication, withdrawal, and other substance/medication-induced mental disorders, are detailed alongside substance use disorders.
Criteria for Substance Use Disorders
Substance use disorders span a wide variety of problems arising from substance use, and cover 11 different criteria:
- Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than you’re meant to.
- Wanting to cut down or stop using the substance but not managing to.
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance.
- Cravings and urges to use the substance.
- Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of substance use.
- Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships.
- Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.
- Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger.
- Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance.
- Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want (tolerance).
- Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance.
Severity of Substance Use Disorders
The DSM 5 allows clinicians to specify how severe or how much of a problem the substance use disorder is, depending on how many symptoms are identified. Two or three symptoms indicate a mild substance use disorder, four or five symptoms indicate a moderate substance use disorder, and six or more indicate a severe substance use disorder.
[Source: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), is the 2013 update to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the taxonomic and diagnostic tool published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).]
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A note on language: We do not refer to Renascent addiction treatment programs as “rehab,” however we recognize that people use this term as they look for help for themselves or their loved ones. Read more on person-first language here.
Funding and Costs
Q: How much does rehab cost in Ontario?
A: There’s no simple answer, as there’s not a single definition for rehab, and no one-size-fits-all solution for people who are seeking addiction treatment.
Renascent offers two pathways to care: publicly funded inpatient treatment, and our fee-for-service Complete Care program. Renascent’s 25 week Complete Care program offers immediate access and includes 35 days of intensive inpatient addiction Treatment and 20 weeks of Virtual Intensive Treatment. The fee for Complete Care is $17,500.
As a not-for-profit and a charitable organization, every dollar goes back into providing affordable, effective, and accessible services.
Q: Is addiction rehab covered by Ontario Health?
A: Yes, inpatient and virtual intensive programs are available through funding provided by the Ministry of Health.
Q: What is the wait for Renascent’s provincially funded treatment?
A: Due to high service demand, please contact us for the most up-to-date information, including wait times.
Q: Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
A: Renascent accepts insurance coverage. Contact us to learn more about how we can work with your insurance provider.
Q: What if I can’t afford treatment?
A: If you are unable to afford the cost of treatment, contact us to learn about other possible options for help, including our publicly funded program.
For Family and Loved Ones
Q: How can I help a loved one who is struggling with addiction and substance abuse?
A: Family members often know there’s a problem long before the person does, but getting the person to admit they have a problem with alcohol or drugs can be frustrating.
Getting a loved one to rehab is only one part of the puzzle, and sometimes they aren’t ready for help. Renascent can still make a difference by helping the family work together to fight the effects of addiction.
If you think your friend, loved one, colleague, or employee needs help, reach out to us. We can let you know what type of treatment might work best and help you compare different treatment options. We will support you in figuring out how to start a difficult but important conversation with the person that you know needs help.
Q: What support programs are available for families?
A: Renascent offers extensive family programs to help adults and children cope with the effects of addiction. Our Children’s Bridge Program provides children with the information and tools they need to understand how addiction has affected their family, and helps them develop skills needed to break the cycle of addiction in the family.
About Treatment
Q: Can I self-refer to Renascent’s addiction treatment programs or do I need a referral from a health care professional?
A: Anyone can self-refer to Renascent’s addiction treatment programs. To begin the process, please give us a call at 1-866-232-1212.
Q: What is the process for entering intensive treatment at Renascent?
A: Step 1: Call Renascent at 1-866-232-1212
Step 2: Complete Intake with a Counsellor
Step 3: Complete assessment to determine which program is best for you. After which, you will receive an admission date.
Step 4: Receive 24/7 support with Breaking Free Online while you wait to begin treatment
Step 5: Begin treatment
Q: What is inpatient addiction treatment (rehab) like?
A: Your care will be based on a treatment program designed just for you, in a serene, caring, live-in treatment centre that is a beautiful and comfortable, heritage home. The foundation of our program is person-centred, combining 12-step therapy with other modern therapeutic approaches to give you the best opportunity for success.
While you’re learning about addiction and about yourself, you’ll eat regular, nutritious, and delicious meals and develop a healthy sleep schedule.
All of our clinicians are not only addiction experts, but they also have their own history of alcohol or drug addiction and long-term recovery. They truly understand where you’re at because they have been there themselves.
See an example of what a week in treatment is like.
Q: What kind of substance addictions does Renascent treat?
A: Renascent offers treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, including:
Q: How long does inpatient alcohol addiction rehab last?
A: Our intensive inpatient alcohol abuse treatment program of 28–35 day stays provides around-the-clock counselling and support from our team of registered psychotherapists and certified drug and alcohol addiction clinicians, all of whom have lived experience of addiction and long-term recovery.
Q: How do I prevent a relapse?
A: Renascent’s Continuing Care aftercare program provides ongoing support and relapse prevention delivered virtually throughout those critical first few months after inpatient addiction treatment as you begin to apply the tools you learned to your daily life and help you protect your recovery.
Q: Should I receive Outpatient or Inpatient addiction treatment?
A: For people who cannot stop drinking or using, even for a few days, inpatient treatment may be preferable. In general, inpatient treatment is recommended over outpatient care for people with severe addictions to alcohol or drugs. Your intake team at Renascent will conduct an assessment to determine whether your addiction would be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. This can help you to decide which course of treatment would be best.
Virtual Intensive Treatment works best for people who find a strong support system in their family and friends or who currently live in structured, supportive housing. You will also need to maintain abstinence and attend 12-step or other peer support community meetings regularly. Outpatient treatment allows you to build your recovery program where you live, work or study while you are still in treatment.
Q: What types of meals will I have in treatment?
A: We believe nutrition is an important part of a person’s recovery. Renascent provides all inpatient clients with regular, delicious, and nutritious meals and snacks throughout their stay. Our cooks are happy to accommodate dietary requirements.
See what our meals typically look like with our sample menu.
Q: What do I need to bring with me to rehab?
A: Please bring:
- A valid health card;
- Towels and washcloth;
- Toiletries (toothbrush, shampoo, soap, shaving gear, etc.);
- Seasonal outerwear and footwear (you will be going outside to attend meetings);
- Comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear for indoor use.
- Your prescription medications (that you have discussed with a Renascent counsellor);
- Funds to cover personal expenses;
- Quarters or phone cards for pay phone use;
- Clients currently on bail are to bring their bail papers.
DO NOT bring:
- Personal vehicles;
- Weapons;
- Addictive and/or mood altering substances.