Categories
Heroin Addiction

What is the Cost of Heroin Addiction Treatment?

The cost of heroin addiction treatment can be overwhelming. For many, insurance tends to be their final resort to receiving treatment. However, not all insurance plans cover the cost of heroin addiction treatment.

This isn’t the only consideration you have to make as regards the pricing for heroin rehab. You should also consider the type of treatment program. Typically, inpatient programs cost more than outpatient programs. Also, how long you receive heroin addiction treatment can impact your total bill.

Although the cost of treatment is expensive, the cost of heroin addiction is more expensive. One way to get the best out of heroin addiction treatment is to view it as an investment.

In a year, the total amount you’ll spend on heroin will outpace the cost of heroin addiction treatment. Also, heroin rehab is worth it because it saves you from legal problems arising from your addiction.

Do you want to know the cost of heroin addiction treatment in Toronto? This article discusses different pricing models and factors that determine the cost. In the same vein, here we discuss insurance as a payment method for heroin addiction treatment.

Cost of Heroin Addiction Treatment

The cost of heroin addiction treatment typically ranges from $2000 to $25000 for standard treatment. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, your heroin rehab costs can climb up to $80000.

The cost of heroin addiction treatment is different among rehab centres in Toronto. The pricing model for heroin rehab is dependent on some factors like your treatment program and your location.

Government-owned vs private heroin rehab

Going for government-owned rehab centres can help you save costs as it’s often free. However, privately owned rehab centres will require you pay for the treatment. While government-owned rehab centres seem like a good option, there is always a long waiting list.

Furthermore, government-owned rehab centres are often short on resources and lacking some facilities. The simple truth is there are lots of people to cater to with limited resources. Getting into a government-owned rehab centre can be difficult as you have to find out if you’re eligible. To verify your eligibility, you have to visit the nearest government-owned rehab centre to make inquiries.

While on the other hand, private-owned rehab centres are more straightforward and less time-consuming. For instance, patients at private rehab centres are quickly admitted into the rehab centre. Unlike government-owned rehab centres, there is no waiting list. Waiting can often prove more dangerous as it means patients can plunge deeper into their addiction.

Also, private rehab centres, although more expensive, attend to your personal needs. Patients are monitored round the clock and their care is tailored according to their needs.

You’ll also have access to medical staff to discuss any issue you may be experiencing. Additionally, compared to government-owned rehab centres, patients have access to more resources.

Addiction

Factors that determine the cost of heroin addiction treatment

Heroin rehabs in Toronto have varying prices depending on some factors. It’s true the cost of heroin addiction treatment increases the longer you stay in the rehab centre.

Also, rehab centres in high-brow areas can influence the cost of heroin addiction treatment. Here are some factors that determine the cost of heroin addiction programs.

Length of treatment

Typically, heroin addiction treatment lasts for a minimum of three weeks with 30 days being the standard. In some cases, the addiction treatment takes 90 days.

However, only a treatment specialist can determine how long you will spend at a heroin addiction treatment centre. Your level of addiction and related symptoms will determine how many days you spend at a heroin addiction centre.

Patients spending 30 days at the rehab will not pay as much as those spending 90 days. In rehab, your accommodation, feeding and medications will be summed altogether. So, a longer timeline will mean a higher cost of treatment.

Type of treatment program

There are different types of addiction treatments. Depending on your level of heroin addiction and duration of addiction, your addiction treatment program will differ. Below are the types of treatment programs and how they affect the cost of heroin addiction treatment.

Detox process

When undergoing heroin addiction treatment, chances are, you will need medical detox. Medical detox is the process of removing concentrated amounts of heroin from your body system. Medical detox can be challenging for some and mild for others.

During medical detox, patients tend to show withdrawal symptoms shortly after. Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be mild or life-threatening. To better manage the situation, medical personnel are on standby to ensure the smooth running of the process.

Medical detox is effective in heroin addiction treatment in that it aids recovery. However, detox programs for heroin have a select cost. The cost of medical detox in heroin addiction treatment ranges from $1000 to $1700.

In-patient rehab program

For in-patient addiction treatment, patients stay in a confined space all through the process. In-patient treatment programs are more challenging in that they regularly engage patients in recovery activities.

Some of the activities in-patient programs offer include yoga sessions, meditation sessions and therapy sessions. For therapy sessions, patients can have individual sessions or group sessions.

During individual sessions, patients get to meet counsellors or previous addicts and get motivated. For group sessions, patients gather around and discuss their addiction journey.

Moving on, in-patient programs will require a change of daily routine to concentrate on your recovery. This may put some people at a disadvantage if they are catering to their cost of treatment. The cost of in-patient rehab programs ranges from $6000 to $12000 for 30 days.

Out-Patient Programs

Out-patient programs do not require much of your attention like in-patient programs. For out-patient programs, patients can still go about their daily routine and still receive treatment. As such, out-patient programs are a better option for patients footing their heroin rehab bills.

Unlike in-patient programs, out-patient programs do not include the cost of accommodation, feeding and medication. For out-patient programs, medication is not strictly supervised by medical personnel. Patients only come back to the addiction centre for regular monitoring of their symptoms.

Although out-patient programs are not as effective as in-patient programs, they are more affordable. They also offer great results for people who are still in the early stage of addiction. Averagely, the cost of an out-patient addiction program ranges from $5000 to $10000.

Rehab centre’s facilities

As you will expect, not all addiction treatment centres have the same facilities. Common rehab facilities include:

  • Drug counselling
  • Animal psychology
  • Psychodrama
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Yoga
  • Massage therapy
  • Animal associated therapy
  • Individual therapy

The presence of each of these facilities adds to the cost of heroin addiction treatment.

Location of the rehab centre

Another important factor that will affect the cost of heroin treatment is the location of rehab centres. For some patients, staying close to homes can slow their recovery process.

During addiction treatment, staff at the rehab focus on helping patients recognize their triggers. When you recognize your triggers, it becomes easier to overcome them. To overcome them, rehabs employ several strategies one of which is “distancing”.

Since most triggers include friends, places and locations, it’s always a good idea to enroll at a rehab centre far away from your primary residence.

Also, treatment centres in places with a high standard of living will cost more. So, if your addiction centre is in a place with a high standard of living, be ready to spend more for heroin addiction treatment.

Medication used for treatment

During rehab, patients will receive medication to make their withdrawal and recovery process less painful. The types of drugs administered can affect the cost of heroin addiction treatment.

The common medications given to patients during rehab are buprenorphine, methadone, suboxone and naltrexone. For illustration, methadone prescriptions can cost up to $4700 for a year of treatment.

Size of treatment centre

If you want a home away from home rehab centre, you should expect to pay more. Luxurious rehab centres don’t always have too many patients because of how expensive they are.

These treatment centres allow for more privacy and space to recover. They also offer world-class facilities like gyms, spas, jacuzzis, sports centres and more. All of this will come at a price higher than the average cost of heroin addiction treatment in Toronto.

Paying for Heroin Addiction Treatment Using Insurance

For most rehab centres, patients can pay for treatment using insurance or other financing options. First, you have to confirm if your insurance coverage includes heroin addiction treatment.

Different types of insurance cover addiction treatment. They are:

  • Military insurance
  • Medicare
  • Private insurance
  • Medicaid
  • State financed health insurance.

What does insurance cover?

Although many insurance companies cover the cost of heroin addiction treatment, it’s not always a complete coverage of costs. The percentage of the expenses your insurance company covers is dependent on your deductibles.

Insurance typically covers detoxification but ultra-rapid and rapid detox aren’t usually covered. Also, it’s common to find insurance companies generally cover outpatient treatment. However, you will find that inpatient rehab isn’t fully covered as it costs more than outpatient rehab. Finally, insurance companies fully cover assessment and consultation expenses.

Medicare is used for people above the age of 65 and people with disabilities. Thankfully, it also covers inpatient rehab but to a certain degree. Its coverage depends on your insurance plan and needs. Medicare equally covers outpatient rehab as long as it is important for the patient’s recovery.

Like Medicare, Medicaid covers both outpatient and inpatient rehab. However, your rehab centre must be accepting Medicaid if you’re to use the insurance.

Does the timeline of heroin rehab affect insurance coverage?

There isn’t a specific treatment length that insurance covers. The coverage is dependent on your needs and your plan. Insurance often covers treatment lengths longer than the standard 30 days treatment period.

At the beginning of your treatment, your insurance company will approve your treatment length. However, when the treatment length elapses, you may be able to request additional coverage.

How to know if insurance covers the cost of heroin addiction treatment?

Finding out if your insurance plan covers the cost of heroin addiction treatment is important. It is one way to determine how much to pay for heroin addiction treatment.

Below are steps to help you determine if your insurance plan covers addiction treatment.

  • Call your insurance company and speak to a customer care representative. You must have your insurance ID ready.
  • Take notes during the conversation so you won’t leave out any important detail. Also, write down the name of the customer care representative you speak to.
  • Find out their coverage level for addiction treatment. Remember to include detox, outpatient rehab, inpatient rehab, medications, assessment, partial hospitalization, hospital-based, residential, etc
  • Also, inquire about out-of-network and in-network providers and their insurance coverage percentage.
  • Ask about deductibles and copays.
  • Find out your maximum out-of-pocket expense.
  • Additionally, find out the criteria your insurance company uses to determine what is a medical necessity and what isn’t.

Related Article: The Long Term Effects of Heroin Abuse

The Cost of Heroin Addiction Treatment is Worth it

In determining the cost of heroin addiction treatment, it’s important to consider some factors. Your rehab program whether outpatient or inpatient can affect your treatment cost.

Also, it suffices to know that not all insurance plans cover the cost of heroin addiction treatment. While some plans cover all expenses, some partially cover treatment expenses. You can however discuss payment options with your rehab centre to find out which works for you.

The cost of heroin addiction treatment may seem too much especially if you’re going to a private rehab centre. However, the benefits of being sober outweigh how much you will pay for heroin addiction treatment.

With sobriety comes peace of mind and a more stable source of income. For many former heroin addicts, zero dependence on heroin makes their lives worth living.

That’s why at 1000 Islands Rehab Centre, your recovery is paramount as we offer comprehensive heroin addiction recovery services. More importantly, we do it at affordable pricing too. Book an appointment with us today!

Categories
Marijuana Addiction

What to Expect During Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Not knowing what to expect during marijuana addiction treatment is why many addicts don’t sign up for rehab. Being an addict to marijuana is not a very pleasurable experience. While the first use of the substance may seem like heaven. The addiction that follows years of severe abuse is more like hell.

Marijuana addiction topples the life of the user, in all aspects. From worsening relationships with friends to losing hold of your finances, the list of side effects that come with a marijuana habit is endless.

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably taken the first step of admitting to yourself that you are an addict. This is great news, an achievement even. For many addicts, getting over the denial stage can be quite an accomplishment.

Now, you need help. But you are having some unresolved doubts. You are unsure of what happens during marijuana addiction treatment. The fear of uncertainty is real.

This is why we’ve come up with this guide. It will help you understand what to expect during marijuana addiction treatment. Through it, we will provide a comprehensive explanation of the different treatment exercises that form a part of marijuana rehab. Let’s get into it.

What is Marijuana Addiction?

Marijuana may not be instantly addictive as opioids, but when it does hook a fellow, it takes time to recover. This is not to scare you but to prepare your mind for the fact that the journey of marijuana addiction recovery is a long one.

As of 2018, Canada became the second country in the world to make marijuana use legal. This has caused the country to see a spike in cannabis usage. According to the CCSA, marijuana is now the second most abused substance in the country.

The cannabis plant is the source of marijuana. When this plant is harvested, it gets dried and ground. This is then made available for you to smoke. Though, smoking is not the only consumption process for marijuana. There are edibles you can chew, and they can also be injected into the body.

marijuana and handmade cigarette

How Marijuana Addiction Happens

Marijuana is very psychoactive because it triggers the release of a substance called dopamine. However, marijuana doesn’t stop at this, it can also alter perception. This is why you and others turn to it when you have issues or feel stress. And since the world we live in can’t be devoid of stress and issues, you turn to the substance more frequently.

In the long run, the brain begins to get used to the substance. Then, your body begins to build a resistance. Such that, to reach the level of high you want, you need to consume more marijuana. In the long run, dependence will lead to addiction.

For the most part, overdosing doesn’t normally occur with marijuana. However, there is an increasing number of people that end up in the ER because of a weed habit. Most times, this is due to accidents that occur when they are high.

Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana can be very addictive. Since most users equate it as a cure for stress, it’s tempting to keep indulging.

Other causes of marijuana trace back to peer pressure. The company you keep can also be the reason you are addicted. Whatever the cause is, once marijuana addiction occurs, the stories are similar.

At first, you won’t accept you are addicted as most people do. You’ll believe you can stop using the substance whenever you want. Most times, this is a wrong affirmation.

So, before finding answers to what to expect during marijuana addiction treatment, how do you know you or a loved one needs rehab? Some symptoms are a key indicator of a worsening marijuana habit.

Just like other disorders, you may not experience all the symptoms mentioned below. However, if you experience at least two of the following within 12 months, the chances are high that you have an addiction problem.

  • You continue to use marijuana even when it’s causing a strain on your social and romantic relationships. You even continue to use it despite physical harm.
  • You strongly crave the substance frequently
  • You start needing more of the substance to get high
  • When you don’t use the substance for a while, you experience withdrawal symptoms. These include; mood swings, sleep disruption, severe headache, appetite disruption abs irregularities in weight.
  • You stop doing the things you used to enjoy
  • You just feel like using the substance all-day
  • You ignore health conditions and keep smoking or eating it
  • You are always getting high
  • You go out of your way to get marijuana. This may involve you having to use money meant for other things.

So if you are curious about what to expect during marijuana addiction treatment, here is a little prelude to the main answer — it’s not going to be easy. But when you are with the right marijuana addiction rehab service, you can be sure they’ll make the process as easy as possible.

But first, we’ll explore the short and long-term negative effects of marijuana addiction on a person.

Effects of Marijuana Addiction

Understanding how marijuana addiction affects your life will help you become resolute in your decision to get help. Marijuana addiction is robbing you of life, your life.

Short Term Effects of Marijuana Addiction

As stated earlier, the effects of the substance on you may differ from that of your friend. Also, you may not experience all of these. But certainly, you’ll have noticed some.

  • There is the risk of short-term memory loss
  • You may also suffer from severe anxiety. In some cases, you may suffer paranoia.
  • You may also start experiencing strange behaviours like seeing and smelling things that aren’t real. This is a situation known as psychosis.
  • Panic is also a common situation that can occur
  • You may also suffer from hallucinations
  • You may lose your sense of personal identity
  • There is also a reduction in your reaction time to situations and events
  • There is the possibility of an increased heart rate
  • You also have an increased risk of suffering from stroke
  • Males also suffer sexual problems
  • You suffer a loss of coordination

Long Term Effects of Marijuana Addiction

The answer to what to expect during marijuana addiction treatment should spur you to get professional rehab. Without it, you risk the following long-term marijuana addiction issues.

  • The decline in your IQ. This is a situation that gets worse if your addiction started as an adolescent
  • You can also suffer from an impairment of your thinking.
  • You experience a reduction in how much you are satisfied with life
  • The possibility of getting addicted to opioids.
  • You may experience financial difficulties
  • You experience increased antisocial behaviour.

Marijuana addiction, like any other, is as deadly as they come. The effects in the long term and short term aren’t just worth the investment you make into the drug with your hard-earned money. This is why the various marijuana addiction treatment methods are a lifesaver.

Related Article: Treatment for Marijuana Addiction: Why You Need to Stop Smoking

marijuana on table

What Happens During Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Here’s a breakdown of the aggregate journey to marijuana addiction recovery and sobriety.

Acceptance

Accepting that you are addicted to marijuana is the first step towards recovery. However, you shouldn’t just accept that fact by yourself. You need to inform your friends and family. There is just one reason for this.

Taking the remaining steps towards marijuana addiction recovery requires ample support from friends and family. Your will alone won’t get you through the specialist’s door.

Because marijuana is now legal in Canada, you may wonder why you should bother giving it up. Yours is a personal journey. The need for recovery transcends what the law permits or not.

Consultation Session

Post acknowledgment, the next step is to speak with a marijuana rehab expert. You need to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. This consultation session can also help you uncover any underlying condition you didn’t know about.

A marijuana addiction treatment expert will be able to gauge the extent of the addiction. Together with medical personnel, they’ll be able to test you for health-related problems.

The results of these tests and consultation sessions will form the bedrock of your marijuana rehab plan. You’ll be able to make critical decisions like whether to go with inpatient or outpatient rehab. Once the diagnosis is over, the first step that begins everyone’s marijuana recovery is detoxification.

Marijuana Detox

This is a treatment process that involves medical experts administering medication to get the physical elements of marijuana out of your body. This process has to be conducted under the strict supervision of a specialist.

During detoxification, you won’t be taking any more marijuana. This is called withdrawal. Withdrawal from rehab causes the body to react, in the following ways:

  • Increased irritation
  • Increased anxiety
  • You won’t be able to sleep
  • You’ll have a heightened craving for the substance
  • In severe cases, it can lead to depression
  • Insomnia can also result from marijuana withdrawal
  • You won’t be able to experience pleasure without the substance.

Once detox is complete, the doctor will provide you with medications to combat these symptoms as you proceed into the next stage — therapy.

Marijuana addiction treatment methods

Rehabilitation can take different forms for different persons. It all depends on the peculiarities of the patient involved. Hence, it’s not easy to accurately preempt what to expect during marijuana addiction treatment.

The system of treatment an addiction treatment service recommends depends on how severe your addiction is. For persons with very severe marijuana addiction, an expert will most likely recommend inpatient therapy.

However, if your addiction is mild, you may be subject to outpatient therapy. The major difference between these two directions of therapy is admission into the facility. For inpatient treatment, you’ll remain in the addiction treatment center. You’ll be under the supervision of the healthcare professionals, in a controlled environment.

For the outpatient treatment, you’ll still be able to get to work and do other things. Although, you’ll have to see your designated treatment officer frequently during the week. The frequency of your visit to the marijuana rehab centre is based on the discretion of the expert.

Inpatient treatment is more recommended if you want to see fast results. The environment is controlled there. Hence, you will suffer less exposure to triggers and environmental cues that encourage addiction. However, inpatient treatment always costs more. But the use of this procedure for marijuana addiction treatment has a higher chance of success.

Getting Marijuana Addiction Treatment: What to Prepare For

Preparation is at the center of what to expect during marijuana addiction treatment. If you will be going in for inpatient treatment, there are only a few things you’ll need. The first being your clothing, as light as you can pack them.

You should also make sure your family is catered for in your absence. This is important if you are the breadwinner of the family. Notifying your family also brings about support, which you’ll need loads of, once you are admitted into the facility.

There are different grades of treatment facilities. The luxurious ones have more facilities and equipment that makes ‘life away from normal’ easier. However, even if you go for more affordable marijuana rehab services, you’ll still enjoy positive results.

You should also prepare your mind that inpatient treatment lasts between 30 to 90 days. When you are done with inpatient rehab, sober living homes are the next best thing to help you transition to normal life.

Inpatient treatment centers eliminate triggers during your stay. Hence, suddenly transitioning back into an uncontrolled environment can be overwhelming. Sober living homes serve as that transition center. You rent space in these homes, controlled homes, while you go about normal life activities again. The sober living homes are controlled and with caregivers at your arm’s length.

marijuana rehab group

Cost of Marijuana Addiction Treatment

What a marijuana program looks like is dependent on the center you choose, and your treatment needs. These peculiar details will determine the experience you will enjoy during your treatment program. Similarly, it also influences the cost you’ll incur.

Thankfully, you can mitigate expensive bills with insurance or other government-assisted programs like Medicaid.

The breakdown of the cost for marijuana rehab is simple. The first stage of treatment is detox, and this costs between $1000 and $5000. For inpatient rehab, that already contains detox, the cost is about $6000 for 30 days.

Some facilities may however rise to $20000. If your program is going to run for between 60 to 90 days, the cost is about $12000 and $60000.

Outpatient treatments are cheaper and can cost $5000 for a 3-month’ program. Medications during treatment can rise to about $4700.

What to Expect during Marijuana Addiction Treatment

The process of addiction recovery is long and can seem somewhat impossible. You’ll experience both physical and psychological discomfort. Because you are conscious about quitting marijuana, the craving can somewhat become unbearable.

A lot is going to happen once you walk through that door to see a specialist. However, none of these things are worth being scared of. You may not exactly know what to expect during marijuana addiction treatment.

However, you need to be rest assured that it’s all about your recovery. Whatever happens, will lead to your wholeness and ability to live without drugs. These key points will guide your mental image of what marijuana rehab is:

Duration

This is the first thing you should know about marijuana addiction recovery.  One thing to have at the back of your mind is that recovery is a lifetime journey. While marijuana rehab programs themselves have a time cap, recovery is a never-ending journey.

From studies and observations, marijuana addiction treatment methods get administered for between 30 to 90 days. On rare occasions, however, it may last up to a year. You won’t know how long the treatment will last from the beginning. Your doctor may decide to extend you beyond the maximum point of this average if there is no improvement. If your condition improves, you may end treatment faster.

Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy is the most common form of therapy administered for marijuana addiction treatment. This may differ for you, as your therapist may employ other forms of therapy based on your condition. CBT therapy is a form of individual therapy.

Depending on the form of marijuana addiction rehab program, you may be put in discussion groups with other marijuana addicts in recovery.

Discussing in these groups gives patients a sense of community. This helps you better focus on your treatment as you’ll understand that you are not alone.

Visit from family and friends

If you are an inpatient, you’ll not see much of your outside family and friends. Since you need to focus more on your recovery, this distinction is important to control your exposure to marijuana.

However, there are visiting hours, which differ from facility to facility. You should find out about visiting hours before committing to a treatment. Regular visits from friends and family will help you with the confidence to go on with the treatment.

Cost

Technically, you cannot ascertain the cost of treatment from the beginning. Contingencies may occur and you’ll need to spend more. With the support of family and friends, you’ll scale through this.

One thing you should know is the cost of addiction treatment is always lower than the cost of sticking to addiction. If addiction treatment costs you $20000 in a year, a marijuana habit may cost you about double in that period.

Relapse

Relapse is a situation where start using marijuana again while you are in recovery. The percentage of relapse during recovery is between 40 to 60%.

This is more common for outpatients than inpatients. As an outpatient, you are still exposed to triggers even as you get treatment. As such, it’s easier for relapse to happen.

Medications

Medications are mainly administered during the marijuana detox process. Most of these medications won’t be sold to you over the counter. They are only prescribed by a doctor. And even when your medication runs out, you can only get another prescription from the doctor.

Standard practice will also have the doctor conduct a further examination to determine if you still need the substance. This is to prevent you from replacing your marijuana addiction with an addiction to the prescribed medication.

Your will

Beyond knowing what to expect during marijuana addiction treatment, you need to master how you’ll keep your willpower running. The recovery process can be exhausting, especially as you are cut out from society. In these periods, you need to be strong and maintain your focus. If you lose your willpower, the investment in recovery is a waste.

The 12-step program

This program was created by the founders of Alcoholics anonymous. It contains principles to help you overcome the problem of addiction.

The success of this program in its early days is why it’s being recommended across the world. You’ll get introduced to this program during rehab. It’s best if you follow through even after rehab.

Related Article: How Much Does Marijuana Addiction Rehab Cost?

Marijuana Addiction Rehab is Effective

Knowing what to expect during marijuana addiction treatment is one thing, starting and following through is another. No amount of knowledge will suffice without action. Take the first step towards recovery now by reaching out to any of our world-class marijuana rehab facilities.

Here at 1000 Islands Rehab Centre, our treatment experts have the experience, facilities and specialization to help you recover from marijuana addiction. Get started today!

Categories
Marijuana Addiction

How Much Does a Marijuana Addiction Rehab Cost in Canada?

What is the cost of Marijuana Rehab?

The cost of marijuana addiction rehab will always be negligible when compared to the expenses associated with marijuana addiction. From financial issues to loss of work focus and problems with the law, marijuana addiction can be hard on your wallet.

There are varying factors that influence how much marijuana rehab will cost you. The basic premise of these factors is your needs and wants. There are different addiction treatment offerings for persons of different income levels. Hence, you don’t need to worry about not finding a facility that will take you in.

The very first step towards addiction recovery is acknowledging your condition. You also need to be willing to get treatment. Then, you can start looking for a marijuana rehab service near you. Here, the cost of marijuana addiction rehab will help you prune through options.

In this guide, you will find everything to know about the cost of marijuana addiction treatment.

The Cost of Marijuana Addiction Treatment by the Numbers

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to marijuana addiction treatment. The cost of marijuana addiction rehab depends on the exact type and element of treatment you are receiving. However, there is a basic template of marijuana rehab expenses you may incur in the course of recovery.

Detoxification cost

This is the first step in addiction recovery treatment. This stage of treatment for outpatient costs between $1000 and $1500. There is no separate cost for inpatients, as it is included in the cost of being admitted into the facility.

Detoxification is a sensitive process, one that needs proper monitoring. Hence, the high price.

Inpatient rehab cost

Most times, the cost of marijuana addiction rehab for inpatient is about $6000 for a 30-day treatment period. Luxury centers may cost you as high as $20000. The duration of your stay also has a direct influence on the price of marijuana rehab.

Outpatient rehab cost

These treatments are always cheaper than inpatient treatments. For three months, the cost is about $5000. Though some luxury outpatient facilities are in the range of $10000.

Medication cost

Medications are an important aspect of marijuana addiction treatment and may cost you thousands of dollars per year. For a whole year, your medications can cost around $2000.

Factors that influence Marijuana treatment cost

Several factors influence marijuana addiction treatment in Canada. The most common of these include;

Type of treatment programs

You can’t determine this for yourself. The type of treatment you go for determines how much cost you’ll incur. Inpatient treatments are always costlier than outpatient treatments. Remember, the cost of housing, feeding, and care are included in the final bill.

The treatment center cost

The treatment center you consult with also determines how much you’ll incur in the course of treatment. Luxury inpatient centers cost more than those with average facilities. Hence, you should know exactly what you can afford and go for it.

Location influences cost

The location of the treatment center also influences how much it’ll cost you. Marijuana rehab centers in the city generally cost more than those in less urban areas. Make your adequate research to know what you can afford.

Related Article: The Amazing Benefits of Quitting Marijuana

Marijuana rehab is affordable

The cost of marijuana rehab programs can seem somewhat high. However, there are several ways you can finance the treatment. You can rely on nonprofit and state-funded rehabs to get your treatment. If you have health insurance, it will also suffice in lifting a considerable part of the burden off your shoulder.

Before bothering about the cost of therapy for marijuana rehab, ensure you do your due diligence. Researching far and wide will help you know the best program and facility for you. The costliest facility isn’t necessarily the best. The best facility is one that meets your needs adequately.

The cost of Marijuana addiction

If you’ve never taken account of what your marijuana addiction costs you, you’ll think the cost of marijuana addiction rehab is overkill. If, however, you take some time to calculate all the money you spend on the addiction, per year, you’ll stop. And one hard truth is that getting stoned on marijuana costs you more than money.

Treatment stages affect the cost of Marijuana Rehab

Marijuana is one of those addictions that take a long time to develop. However, once it does, breaking the habit can require you to cover a large bill for marijuana addiction rehab.

You should know that the first step towards treating the problem is to acknowledge its existence. Without this acknowledgment, you’ll never be ready to incur the cost of marijuana addiction rehab.

There are different treatment paths for different persons. However, they all start with a particular procedure.

Consultation with the specialist

This is the very first thing you need to do once you’ve come to accept your addiction. It’s the next right move after admitting your addiction. You shouldn’t go around taking medications that were prescribed to your friend or whatnot. Every person differs from the other.

Hence, you need to reach out to a specialist for a proper full diagnosis. The outcome of this consultation will determine what treatment options you’ll be prescribed during the withdrawal and detox stage of addiction rehab.

Individualities like this can affect the cost of marijuana rehab. There’s also the fact that in many addiction treatment centres, you’ll have to pay for a consultation session with a specialist.

Detoxification

The cost of this medication as well as how long detox takes can affect how much you’ll pay for marijuana rehab. The silver lining is that in many cases, this stage only takes a few days.

Medication

As mentioned earlier, medication is peculiar to the individual. You shouldn’t take medication for marijuana withdrawal just because a friend of yours takes the same for his addiction.

The first reason is that you have different issues. Also, you may have an underlying condition that can cause complications.

Therapy and Treatment

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most important form of therapy for addicts. There are different forms of therapy, which can either be personal or in a group.

Treatment for marijuana addicts can either be as an inpatient or an outpatient. The treatment option you go for depends on what the specialist feels is necessary.

However, there is a general rule of thumb. People with mild addiction can be placed on the outpatient treatment procedure. For those with chronic addictions, it’s best to get inpatient treatment.

Each of these treatment options has its pros and cons, while also influencing the pricing for marijuana addiction rehab differently.

Inpatient treatment

This is the form of treatment where you, as a patient, get to stay in the marijuana rehab facility through the length of your recovery. This is an intensive system of rehabilitation and usually lasts between 30 and 90 days.

This form of treatment is more expensive than the outpatient form of marijuana treatment. And within the inpatient treatment system, there is also a price variation depending on what amenities are available with your chosen rehab center.

Inpatient treatment facilities are always very controlled. They do away with any form of trigger or cue that may cause you to return to your marijuana habit. In these facilities, you also have on-demand access to healthcare professionals who will always be there to help you go through the most difficult moments of withdrawal.

This system of treatment also makes it easy to be amongst groups of recovery patients just like you. However, this treatment mode takes you away from everyday life, and to get back after your treatment, you’ll need further help from sober homes.

Sober homes are like the interface between inpatient rehab centers and the real world. They help you get acquainted with the real world again — as slowly as possible.

In these facilities, you’ll go around your daily business, while living in a very controlled rented environment. You’ll stay here till you are ready to integrate back into society with the ability to stay clean.

Outpatient treatment

The cost of marijuana addiction rehab in this case is always lower than inpatient programs. In this system of treatment, you’ll still live in your home and go about your daily work. However, you’ll need to make and attend weekly sessions with the specialist. How many times your consultation will be per week is totally up to the discretion of your specialist.

This is best for mild addictions, as chronic addictions are impossible to treat this way. With a long-term marijuana habit, there is always the tendency of you being exposed to triggers even when you have started therapy.

Your daily routine is maintained, and you go through therapy that’ll help you cope and stay clean. To enjoy a successful outpatient therapy treatment, you may need to dedicate about 10 to 12 hours per week.

Marijuana Addiction in Canada

Canada has the highest rate of cannabis in teens. In a report by DrugFreeKidsCanada, about 23% of the teens, aged 15, across the world, who use cannabis are from Canada. For the girls, the number is at 21%. This is worrisome.

One of the most common causes of marijuana use is peer pressure. The influence of friends as youths enter into high school or college results in this. When you walk for so long with a person who uses the substance, it’s only a matter of time before a moment of vulnerability gets you hooked.

The belief that the substance is harmless is right there on top of the chart of marijuana addiction causes. For most users, there is a belief that they can always stop whenever they want to. This is a form of self-deception, and it makes the cost of marijuana addiction treatment rise if you finally decide to get help.

Marijuana Addiction

The stress factor

In a world full of stress, many people leverage marijuana as an escape. This is arguably the most common cause of marijuana addiction. This is because the stress doesn’t end, hence, the continued use of the substance.

Teens use the substance to douse the troubles of stress, anorexia, lack of concentration, depression, amongst other triggers.

Once the act of using marijuana becomes cued by any of the above issues, the brain grows dependent on the substance as it continually seeks solace. Unlike opioids, it’s possible to not get addicted even after extended use. It’s possible to smoke marijuana and not get addicted. However, beyond the issue of addiction, health complications can accumulate. Hence, it’s best advised to not use the substance.

Since it’s possible to use marijuana and not be addicted, it makes it difficult to tell when you are addicted. And without being able to acknowledge your addiction, getting help is far-fetched. Hence, if you are not sure if you suffer from marijuana addiction, there are some signs you should look out for.

Signs of Marijuana addiction

Marijuana addiction can occur at different rates for people. While someone may get addicted after one month of use, it may be longer for others. Here are some tells that you are addicted to marijuana.

  • You lose interest in the activities you used to love
  • You are having issues with your relationships; lover, friends, family, and colleagues. You begin to put less effort into these relationships
  • You experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop slightly.
  • You can now use more than you started with, without blanking out
  • You can’t bring yourself to stop

Remember that you don’t have to exhibit all of these tells before you know you are addicted. Once you are addicted, it becomes almost impossible for you to stop yourself. It is at this point you have to muster the determination to get help.

Start by informing your friends and family, and booking a consultation at a marijuana addiction rehab centre.

There are different types of treatment you can get. However, all these treatments start with the process of detoxification. At the stage of detoxification, you’ll experience the following withdrawal symptoms:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Mood swings
  • You get irritated easily
  • You lose sleep
  • You have frequent headaches
  • You begin to lose focus frequently
  • You experience a somewhat uncontrollable craving for marijuana
  • You experience breakouts of cold sweats
  •  Unusual chills
  • There is an increase in depression potential

Related Article: How to Quit Weed

 

Categories
Methamphetamine Addiction

What to Expect During Methamphetamine Addiction Rehab

While many people struggle with meth addiction, they are unaware of how to begin their treatment. Typically, the first step in overcoming meth addiction is detoxification which isn’t a pleasant experience. However, knowing what to expect during methamphetamine addiction rehab can prepare your mind ahead.

Canada is battling a crystal meth endemic. Abuse of crystal meth is still on the rise in Canada with about eight million people battling some form of meth abuse.

With the rise in demand for meth around the world, Canada produces even more meth. Unsurprisingly, the United Nations once dubbed Canada as the largest producer of meth in the world.

If you or a loved one is battling with meth addiction, you need all of the help you can get. Part of that help is getting all of the information you need about what happens during meth rehab. It’s why we have written this blog.

This article can help you rekindle your hope of overcoming meth addiction. With explanations on what to expect during methamphetamine rehab, you’ll have an insight into how meth rehab works. Also, we’ll explain the different stages of meth addiction rehab in detail. Here’s what the road to sobriety looks like!

Meth Addiction: What It Is

There are many names people call methamphetamine in Canada. It is commonly referred to as

  • Crystal meth
  • Ice
  • Chalk
  • Crank
  • Glass
  • Redneck cocaine
  • Blue
  • Speed

Meth is a shiny, bluish-white and glass-like substance that people consume. It is a powerful stimulant that produces dependence and compulsive effects. Also, meth and amphetamines are similar although the latter is used in treating narcolepsy and Attention Deficit Disorder{ADD}. However, amphetamines like Concerta and Adderall are legal while crystal meth isn’t.

While many prefer to snort crystal meth, others prefer to smoke, swallow or inject through their veins. Also, crystal meth comes in tablets, powder or crystal form. There are no specific age grades for the use of meth however, it is commonly used in rave parties.

Furthermore, the use of crystal meth in nightclubs is the reason people term it a club drug. This highly addictive drug is very concentrated causing first-time users to get hooked by it.

The intensity of this high makes meth addiction is one of the most difficult addictions to overcome especially if you’re doing it yourself. Meth addiction rehab is the most effective way to quit the use of crystal meth.

Effects of Meth Addiction

The effects of meth differ according to how much of it you consume. Also, the method through which you take meth determines its effect. For instance, for people who snort meth, they tend to feel its effects in five minutes or less. On the other hand, the effect of meth kicks in 30 minutes after swallowing it as a tablet.

The most common method of consuming crystal meth is by injecting it through veins. The reason is crystal meth triggers the release of some chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are:

  • Noradrenaline
  • Dopamine
  • Serotonin

These three chemicals are in charge of the excitement and alertness we feel. They also are released when we are happy or having sex. The effects of crystal meth are physical and mental, not forgetting to add that they are unpredictable. Here are some of them.

Short term mental effects of crystal meth

  • Less fatigue and increased energy
  • Euphoria
  • Increased sexual drive
  • A rush of ideas
  • High mood
  • Lack of appetite
  • Increased alertness and wakefulness
  • Increased confidence

Short term physical effects of crystal meth

  • Twitching muscles
  • An irregular and fast heartbeat
  • Stomach pains
  • High blood pressure
  • Dizziness and headache
  • Dilated pupils
  • Unusual body temperature
  • Fast breathing

If you inject crystal meth into your system, chances are high that you may cause the spread of diseases. Examples of these diseases are.

  • HIV
  • Hepatitis B and C.

Typically, constant crystal meth abuse can cause a decrease in euphoria. This then leads to an increase in compulsive behaviour and unpleasant effects.

Furthermore, people who binge on crystal meth are usually too focused. They also exhibit repetitive behaviours combined with hallucinations, paranoia and sleeplessness.

Long term mental effects of crystal meth

Using crystal meth over a long period can no doubt lead to dependence. The effects of long-term use can cause periods of depression and stimulation.

Here are other long-term mental effects of crystal meth:

  • Long or short-term memory issues
  • Difficulty in controlling urges
  • Brain damage
  • Inability to be attentive
  • Loss of finger or hand dexterity
  • Paranoia
  • Violence
  • Homicidal thoughts
  • Hallucinations, both visual and auditory

Methamphetamine Addiction

Long term physical effect of crystal meth

One major risk of long use of crystal meth is cardiovascular problems. Physical problems associated with long-term meth abuse include:

  • Stroke
  • Poor heart function
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Death

Also, the long-term physical effects of crystal meth can include poor nutrition and a weak immune system.  Crystal meth can cause cavities, dry mouth and sour taste. Other physical effects are:

  • Lung disease
  • Kidney damage
  • Stroke
  • Cracked teeth
  • Skin infections and sores
  • Uncontrolled movements

If pregnant women consume crystal meth, it can result in:

  • Low birth weight
  • A decrease in appetite
  • Premature delivery
  • Birth defects

Symptoms of Meth Addiction

Finding out what to expect during methamphetamine rehab is the next step when you notice the symptoms of meth addiction in you or a loved one.

From insomnia to aggressive behaviours, meth addiction symptoms cover a broad spectrum. While the symptoms are broadly classified into two — behavioural and physical symptoms, they are also difficult to conceal.

Behavioural symptoms of meth addiction

  • Psychosis
  • Increased violent behaviour
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of interest in other things

Physical symptoms of meth addiction

  • Tooth decay
  • Pale skin
  • Cracked teeth
  • Liver or kidney failure

Stages of Meth Addiction Rehab: What to Expect

Meth addiction rehab typically begins with withdrawing from meth use. For many addicts, the withdrawal stage is usually very painful because of its symptoms. But that it’s where it ends.

Part of understanding what to expect during methamphetamine rehab is understanding the step-by-step breakdown of the procedure. Here’s what we mean.

Withdrawal

The more you consume crystal meth, the higher your tolerance for the drug. What this means is that your body will require more crystal meth to give you the high effect. If you are unable to get high, your body will start to demand meth.

This demand will exist in the form of what we call withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are the primary indicator that you’re in the withdrawal stage of meth addiction treatment.

Detox

Detox is a process that happens through medical intervention. It’s the stage of meth addiction treatment that helps you go through difficult withdrawal. What detox simply means is to remove the addictive substance (crystal meth) from your body.

Addiction Treatment

Going to rehab after detox is important because you put yourself at risk of relapsing if you don’t. A rehab centre offers you more chances of long-term sobriety.

You see, during the rehab (addiction treatment) stage, experts will help you treat the addiction. While adequate care and monitoring are a given, part of what to expect during meth addiction treatment includes counselling, behavioural therapy and more.

This is the stage of meth addiction treatment that provides you with the tools you need to prevent a relapse. As we will explain later on in this blog, meth rehab can either be in-patient and outpatient.

Related Article: The Cost of Meth Addiction and Other Substance Rehab

What to Expect During Meth Addiction Treatment: The Withdrawal Stage

When a person desists from using crystal meth, they begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are a function of the intensity of your meth addiction. As such, they can be severe or mild.

It’s important you seek medical attention if your symptoms get severe. Some examples of common crystal meth addiction withdrawal symptoms are:

Sleepiness and fatigue

Crystal meth can make you very hyperactive and even cause you not to sleep. However, if you stop taking it, you will feel the opposite. Addicts can experience sleepiness and tiredness during their first week of withdrawing from crystal meth. Typically, after five days of not using crystal meth, the sleepiness kicks in.

Furthermore, addicts experiencing this withdrawal symptom can sleep for about 11 hours daily. This sleepiness is often referred to as hypersomnia. Also, you may experience intense dreams which are likely to reduce in the first week of withdrawal.

Psychosis

Psychosis is a symptom of crystal meth withdrawal that consists of hallucinations.

Psychosis can include delusions which are ideas that appear true but aren’t.

This isn’t just part of what to expect during the withdrawal stage of meth rehab. People who are high or binging on meth can also experience this symptom.

Anxiety

Meth addicts who are going through withdrawal are often anxious. According to an NCBI study, up to 30% of addicts in the meth withdrawal stage will have anxiety and related symptoms.

Increased hunger

It’s not unusual for people using meth to lack appetite. Often, while high on meth, they can go days without food. However, all these changes when they stop using the drug. During withdrawal, meth addicts have strong cravings for food, especially carbohydrates.

Furthermore, they develop a craving for sweet things that starts right from when they withdraw from drug use. This strong craving can last up to about three weeks during withdrawal.

Depression

While experiencing crystal meth withdrawal, depression is completely normal. It’s normal not to feel excited about everything. However, after three weeks of withdrawal, depression decreases. Although some people may experience depression longer than three weeks.

Cravings for meth

There is always a strong urge to take meth during withdrawal. This strong urge is known as cravings and it’s common with people addicted to drugs.

What Happens During Meth Addiction Treatment: The Detox Stage

Detox has to happen under medical supervision. It can either be at a detox centre or the rehab centre and it usually lasts for about a week. Although this timeline depends on how addicted the patient is to meth.

Detox which is an abbreviation for detoxification is aimed at removing the addictive substance completely from the body. It usually precedes rehab. In a way, it readies your body for addiction treatment. During detox, what happens is that medications are used to reduce the withdrawal symptoms.

Furthermore, there are specific medications for certain withdrawal symptoms. For instance, Advil is usually administered to patients with body pains. Below are the withdrawal symptoms and the drugs administered.

  • Psychosis: Sedatives and antipsychotic drugs such as Risperidone and Olanzapine.
  • Anxiety: Diazepam and lorazepam are types of Benzodiazepines used in treating severe addiction.
  • Body pains: Acetaminophen which is commonly referred to as Tylenol can help ease body pains. Also, Ibuprofen, which can be otherwise referred to as Advil helps to relieve mild ache.
  • Depression: Fluoxetine (Prozac) and  Bupropion are antidepressants. These drugs can suppress depression during meth withdrawal. Also, Imipramine and Mirtazapine are antidepressants used to treat depression during meth withdrawal.
  • Cognitive abilities: Bupropion, Modafinil and Topiramate (Topamax) help to improve cognitive ability during meth detox.
  • Sleep and cravings: Narcolepsy drugs such as Modafinil can help with meth addiction withdrawal. Modafinil has stimulant effects which can help with sleepiness and cravings.

rehab center

What to Expect during Meth Addiction Rehab and Treatment

There are two major types of rehab treatment for methamphetamine and they are:

  • In-patient Rehab program.
  • Out-patient Rehab Program.

In-patient rehab program

Addiction specialists recommend in-patient programs most especially if there are fears of relapses. During in-patient programs, you’ll be put under close medical supervision. In some cases, doctors may try to conduct the detox process together with in-patient programs.

In-patient programs have all the necessary facilities to quicken the recovery process. The close supervision and daily treatment sessions characterized by in-patient meth rehab programs increase your chances of recovery.

Part of what to expect during this form of methamphetamine rehab is a disconnect with the outside world. During in-patient programs, the staff at the rehab prohibit patients from having contact with the outside world.

The sole aim of this prohibition is to prevent relapses that come with triggers. Hence, in-patient programs help patients recognize their methamphetamine triggers and control them. Common types of in-patient therapy sessions include:

  • Group sessions:

Here you will discuss with other patients in the rehab, each patient will share their addiction experiences. Group sessions are very effective since you’ll get to relate and learn from other patients who are battling methamphetamine addiction too.

  • Individual sessions

During individual sessions, you’ll get to speak to counsellors who have considerable experience helping meth addiction patients. Through these sessions, you’ll be able to uncover behavioural patterns that promote meth abuse. Perhaps more importantly, you’ll be able to develop methods to break these patterns.

Moving on, a typical day in rehab is not only full of counselling sessions. There are sessions of mind-building activities like yoga and meditation. All these activities aim at strengthening your mind and keeping it busy.

Out-patient rehab program

For patients that do not have severe methamphetamine addiction cases, out-patient programs are a better option. A common feature to expect during this form of meth rehab is accountability. You’ll have to visit the rehab at appointed times for monitoring.

The challenge with out-patient rehab programs is that patients are still in contact with their triggers. Once patients are still in contact with their triggers, gaining sobriety can be challenging. It is why doctors suggest an out-patient program for people without a serious level of meth addiction.

Like in-patient rehab, it also includes programs like group counselling and teaching sessions that will help patients recover quickly.

Typically, out-patient programs take an average of 12-hours weekly. So, seeing all these, you should know what a typical day in rehab is like.

Counselling as a Part of Meth Addiction Rehab

Counselling is an important part of rehab. During counselling, counsellors apply different approaches and techniques to help addicts deal with problems. However, some approaches are more effective than others.

Furthermore, in combination with these approaches, addicts will undertake structured or formal counselling. Although, you should note that these counselling sessions are usually after dealing with withdrawal symptoms. Here are different types of counselling to expect during meth rehab.

Cognitive behavioural therapies

In this type of therapy, the counsellors will help you understand what triggered the meth addiction. Also, they’ll help you learn new coping mechanisms and correct old ones. This helps in preventing relapse. Here are other benefits of CBT.

  • CBT is effective in addressing problems associated with crystal meth addiction. It is also the most extensively evaluated counselling approach.
  • Cognitive behavioural therapies strive to correct thinking errors and behaviours that instigated crystal meth use.
  • Cognitive behavioural therapies are very effective in addressing some mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These problems are also withdrawal symptoms making counselling important for meth rehab.

Other common behavioural therapies include:

  • Family education
  • Individual counselling
  • 12-step programs
  • Family counselling
  • Drug testing

Solution-focused therapies

Solutions-focused therapies use the addicts’ strengths to solve the addiction problem.

Narrative therapy

This therapy emphasizes the importance of the addicts’ life stories. This approach helps addicts realize their stories can shape how they think and act.

Support groups

Support groups provide fellowship and support for meth addicts. Through the platform offered by support groups, meth addicts can interact with others going through the same recovery process. When this happens, meth addicts will realize they aren’t alone in their journey. Also, support groups help patients to focus on their treatment.

Although many meth addicts don’t like support groups, others find it comforting to hear other addict’s stories. Finally, combining support groups with counselling can prove very effective in achieving sobriety.

Motivational incentives

To foster meth addiction recovery, a motivational incentives approach can also be used. In return for their abstinence from meth use, patients are given rewards like money.

Related Article: How Crystal Meth Ruins Your Life Unless You Seek Help

To Sum It Up

Our rundown of what to expect during methamphetamine rehab shows that it’s not a scary prospect. The first stage, detox, typically lasts for a week or less and helps to prepare patients for treatment. While it lasts for a week for most, in some cases, detox can last for two weeks.

With this knowledge of how methamphetamine rehab works, you can get the best out of your treatment program. Arming yourself with how detox and counselling works can help make the recovery process easier.

Finally, depending on your preference, there are inpatient and outpatient programs to choose from. Inpatient programs ensure you are monitored round the clock. They are a comprehensive approach to rehab that allows you to focus on your recovery, pick up healthy habits and have a change of environment.

Here at 1000 Islands Rehab Centre, our experts can provide a custom treatment plan to guide your meth rehab journey. With us, you can build the key tools you need to enjoy long-term sobriety. Book an appointment to discuss your options today.

Categories
Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment Costs: Is It Worth It?

How Much Does Meth Treatment Cost in Toronto?

The cost to treat methamphetamine addiction depends on the type of treatment services you need in Toronto. Each person is peculiar when it comes to addiction treatment. Hence, you cannot be sure of an exact cost until you properly consult with a meth rehab in Toronto.

This is why the first step towards addiction recovery is always the most important. When you get to meet a drug rehab in Toronto, you get an idea of pricing for methamphetamine addiction treatment. Several factors influence this pricing. Some of these factors are within your control, and most aren’t.

You should know that no matter what your budget is, there is always a package for you. Hence, you don’t have to avoid drug rehab in Toronto because you think you can’t afford it. You simply need to do your due diligence in finding the right addiction rehab center for you in Toronto.

One of the ways you can pay for addiction treatment is insurance. How much insurance covers is dependent on what your coverage looks like. Canada have government-funded medical insurance policies like Medicaid and medicare. You can also have your private financing insurance.

Generally, the following payment structure is what you’ll encounter with meth rehab services in Toronto.

Meth detox process cost in Toronto

The cost for drug detox in Toronto ranges between $1000 and $1500. However, if you are an inpatient, this is already included in your addiction treatment cost. Outpatients have to pay for drug detox separately.

Inpatient meth rehab pricing in Toronto

The cost to treat methamphetamine addiction in inpatient rehabs in Toronto ranges between $6000 and $30000. More popular rehab centers may average $20000 for 30 days. However, if you’ll need up to 60 to 90 days, the cost may rise to $12000 and $60000.

Outpatient meth rehab cost in Toronto

For a 3-month, most outpatient rehab in Toronto costs about $3000. Others may also cost as high as $10000. The pricing for methamphetamine rehab in Toronto depends on how long you are coming in for therapy.

Medications cost

On average, medications may cost you about $4700. Needs are always peculiar. Hence, the medications the doctor administers to you may differ from your friends. Don’t make the mistake of using your friend’s prescription.

Factors Influencing the cost of meth treatment

Several factors influence the cost to treat methamphetamine addiction. These factors are also not the same for everyone.

Rehab center location in Toronto

If your house is close to the rehab center in Toronto, especially for an outpatient, you get to save big on transport. This is different for someone that has to travel miles. Also, the location of the facility itself matters.

Drug rehabs situated in city centers will normally cost more than those in the suburbs or rural areas.

Pricing based on therapy sessions

The processes and needs for individual meth rehab stunts will differ. Hence, your cost will be a reflection of all you need. If you’ll be needing more therapy sessions for addiction and an extended detox program, you’ll have to pay more for meth addiction treatment in Toronto.

Duration of treatment cost

How long your meth treatment continues determines how much you pay. Payment is calculated per month, generally. And most meth rehab periods last between 30 and 90 days. However, you may require more than this, which translates to extra costs.

Rehab center facility pricing

The facility of the rehab center in Toronto plays a major role in the cost to treat methamphetamine addiction. Some meth rehab centers are built to reflect luxury, where you will pay more. Others are designed for low-income earners. Hence, there is a limit to the level of amenities you have access to.

Related Article: How Much Does it Cost for Sober Living in Toronto?

Meth treatment costs: Is It Worth It?

The cost to treat methamphetamine addiction in Toronto may seem high. But when you look at it in the long run, it costs less than a life of constant meth abuse. It is possible to lose everything, including your life, to meth addiction. You don’t want to be that person.

The first best step you can take is to sign up for a proper consultation with a meth addiction treatment facility. Here at 1000 Islands Rehab Centre, we offer affordable pricing for addiction treatment programs. Contact us today to discuss your options.

Boy taking Methamphetamine Addiction

What is Methamphetamine Addiction about?

There are several names for methamphetamine among users. From “glass” to “shards” to “ice”, “meth” or “tina”. This flurry of slang names is to tell you that the substance is widely consumed. The names attached to methamphetamine all have origins. For instance, “shards” and “glass” are from the fact that the substance looks like shards of glass crystals.

In the drug usage world, meth is common. The reason for this is that its effects hit hard and fast. The euphoria that follows its usage is intense. The intensity of this euphoria causes addiction to occur very fast.

Amongst drug substances, meth has a high fatality rate. Over the years, there has been an increasing number of deaths associated with the substance. The ease of production of the substance is a major problem.

There are several methods to the consumption of the substance. In the long run, these various consumption methods influence the cost to treat methamphetamine addiction. This influence is because different consumption methods breed different degrees of addiction within a period. You can either smoke, swallow or inject crystal meth.

What effects do meth users seek?

One common place where you’ll find users of crystal meth is parties. It helps the users stay awake and alert for longer periods. The effects of meth on the user can last between 6 to 8 hours at the minimum. However, at a maximum, the effects may take about 24 hours to wear off.

Meth is an illicit drug that belongs to the same class as cocaine and other drugs. It is used by persons of all ages, but just as dangerous as you can imagine.

In the first few times of use, it works well as a stimulant. However, that marks the beginning of gradual degradation of the user’s life.

You should know that meth is mainly made as a controlled prescription for the treatment of ADHD. The substance is a stimulant of the central nervous system. However, there are street versions of it that are illegal and can be very dangerous. That is the substance this guide is about.

Meth is white, odourless, and has a bitter taste. When placed in water or alcohol, it dissolves easily. The simplicity in everything about meth is what makes it versatile. Its users are of different age groups and both genders. As simple in concept as the drug is, it is highly addictive.

The high addiction-tendency of the drug is due to the degree to which it boosts the neurotransmitter called dopamine. When this substance is released in the brain, there is an increase in chemical activity. This activates several areas of motor function, motivation, reward, and pleasure.

This high activity of the drug is why you don’t have to be addicted to the substance before showing signs of abuse. Even if you take it in small amounts, you can show the following signs:

  • Euphoria
  • You feel invincible
  • You suffer from insomnia
  • Hallucinations
  • Constant itching
  • Rotten and decaying teeth
  • Hyperactivity
  • Twitching, facial tics
  • Paranoia
  • Dilated Pupils
  • Agitation
  • Skin sores
  • Mood swings
  • Burns
  • Sudden weight loss

Due to the high activity of the drug, you can get addicted after first use. Meth addiction is a disastrous condition, though not irreparable.

How much you incur for a meth addiction treatment then depends on how bad your condition is. The longer your addiction, the more chronic and lethal it becomes. Hence, you need to get help as soon as possible, irrespective of what it’ll cost to treat methamphetamine addiction.

Side Effects of Meth Use and Addiction

There are several reasons why incurring the cost to treat methamphetamine addiction is worth it. Meth is dangerous not only because it causes addiction faster. A larger portion of the substance remains in your body without changing. The substance also persists in the brain long after use.

This prolonged presence can lead to the damage of brain cell synapses. This is what results in the dependence on the drug. Beyond the signs and symptoms, real health damages (short-term and long-term) can result from continuous meth use.

Some of the short-term side effects that can result from meth use are

  • Anxiety
  • Chest pain
  • Increased heart frequency
  •  Anorexia
  • Aggression
  •  Itchy skin
  • High body temperature
  • Insomnia.
  • Overdose.

Overdose results commonly from the use of meth and can lead to heart stroke, heart attack, and seizures. If you don’t treat this overdose immediately, it can lead to failure of internal organs and even death.

The required cost to treat meth addiction, in the long run, is always high. This is because the long-term problems of substance use can stack hastily. Researchers found that after a long period of use, the brain begins to create a need for using the drug. Long term users suffer from the following;

  • Respiratory problems
  • Heart diseases
  • Failure of the liver
  • Arrhythmias
  • Kidney Failure
  • Malnutrition
  • Premature ageing
  • Reproductive issues
  •  Seizures
  • Birth defects
  • High blood pressure
  • Impaired cognition
  • Loss of memory
  • Cardiac death
  • Depression
  • Delusion
  • Psychosis
  • Aggression

 

Categories
Opioid Addiction

What Is the Cost of Opioid Addiction Rehab in Toronto?

Permit us to be philosophical with our approach to the question; “what’s the cost of opioid addiction rehab?” Let’s reply to it with another question; What will you give to be free of your addiction to opioids? Think about it, how much do you think is worth getting your health and life back from addiction? Your answer is the cost of getting treatment for your opioid addiction.

The cost of opioid rehab is subject to differing opinions and in some cases, some controversy. Many people believe they are victims of addiction and refuse to see it as the result of their actions. So, they feel they should not have to pay a lot of money to get treatment for their addictions.

We’re not going to judge their opinions as right or wrong, everybody has the entitlement to their opinions. Nonetheless, it won’t change the fact that there is a cost you have to pay for opioid rehab. There’s always a cost for a better healthier life and you’ll have to pay it regardless of your opinion. It doesn’t matter if you think you’re a victim or you think it’s a result of your bad decisions.

Here, we will discuss the various costs of opioid rehab. This discussion will cover all aspects of the pricing for opioid addiction rehab. But before that, we will look at the costs of opioid addiction. What are the things you’re losing to your opioid addiction?

The Costs of Opioid Addiction

Realizing that the continuous use of opioids is taking away more than it gives you is the first step to quitting. However, you’re probably yet to experience this, many opioid addicts fail to do until it’s quite late.

The good news is; no time is too late as long as you’re still alive and can make decisions for yourself. You will end up realizing it, sometimes with external help like we are about to provide now.

The monetary cost

This is the most obvious cost of addiction to opioids. For instance, it costs up to $40 to get 25mcg of fentanyl on the streets. Depending on the severity of the addiction, you may require between 150mcg to 200mcg per day. Doing the calculations, the cost can rack up to a sum between $300 to $500 per day.

Since it is a compulsive behaviour and you can’t help it, you will do whatever you can to get the money to buy the drugs. This is a major problem in Canada and the United States with a lot of residents already addicted to opioids. Recent data from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction indicates that we are in the middle of an opioid epidemic.

For opioid addicts, the need to constantly abuse opioids reflects in their bank accounts. You may have to spend your savings to get money for opiates.

It is often difficult for addicts to keep up with the cost of buying their daily fix. So you may start borrowing money or buying the drugs on credit which in turn leads to debt. This can lead you to a life of crime sometimes at the behest of the creditors to pay off debts. At the end of the day, addiction to opioids will most probably leave you in a financial crisis.

The adverse effect on your health

Ordinarily, the use of opioid medications for health conditions sometimes comes with side effects. Some of these side effects include; sedation, nausea, constipation and many others. These are conditions that generally affect the user’s health. However, the effects of the abuse that accompanies opioid addiction are greater.

First of all, opioid abuse has a huge psychological effect on the user. According to Healthline, anxiety and other mental disorders are common among people who abuse opioids. This is because the continuous use of the drug leads to dependency. So whenever you can’t get your daily fix, you experience fear, mood swings and anxiety.

According to Pubmed, opioid addiction can also have the following effects on the body:

  • Respiratory depression
  • Hyperalgesia
  • Immunologic and hormonal dysfunction
  • Muscle rigidity and many more.

Not to mention the possibility of dangerous tendencies such as self-harm that may result from the drug’s psychological effects. The health effects of opioid addiction are numerous, these are just a few of them. You may not experience some of these effects until later in life. This is more reason for you to quit and get treatment as soon as possible.

Opioid destroy life

Heavy disruption on social life

This is an effect that is very common to all forms of unhealthy addictions. Your opioid addiction will affect your social life and relationship with others. For one, addicts are usually secretive about their addictions. You will always try to hide your addiction from people close to you by withdrawing from them.

You will spend more time alone by yourself, and you will always find excuses to spend time alone. Due to the psychological effects of the drug, you will often be angry and on the edge. You will become antisocial and it will feel like nobody cares about you. Because of this, you will find comfort in your pain eraser (opioids).

These are the symptoms and costs of opioid addiction. If you find yourself doing these things, you may end up losing friends and relationships because of it. You may lose your job, lose your loved ones and social status to your addiction. Do not let that happen to you, and if it has happened, decide to pay the cost of opioid rehab and get it all back.

Loss of productivity

Lack of or reduced productivity is another side effect of opioid addiction. Think of it as a situation when you are yet to have your morning coffee. You’ll probably feel lethargic and lacking motivation until you get that cup of coffee. That is only when you can finally start your day and be productive.

That’s how it works with opioid addiction too. If you’re an addict, you can’t start your days without your morning dose. And at midday, when things get tense, you need another dose to keep going. The same happens at night — you need another dose to be able to sleep peacefully. You will find out that without the drugs, your productivity reduces or disappears.

However, with time, excessive intake of the drugs also affects your productivity. This often happens when you take so much that you start experiencing the side effects. They will hinder your work and negatively impact your productivity.

Loss of life and other dire consequences

According to the Government of Canada, we recorded more than 17,000 deaths resulting from opioid toxicity between 2016 and 2020. This represents an increase from 54% in 2019 to 58% in 2020.

Not to scare you but, you must know that opioid addiction can lead to death. Overdosing on opioids usually has dire consequences and the worst is death. Some people can be lucky to escape with their lives but they usually end up with permanent scars. These come in the form of mental health disorders that they will nurse for life.

We do not want any of these conditions to happen to you. We sincerely hope that you get rehab as soon as possible. To help you, we will talk about the cost of getting opioid rehab. We will also talk about how you can afford the cost if it seems overwhelming for you.

Related Article: 6 Warning Signs of Opioid Addiction

Cost of Opioid Rehab: How Much Can You Expect to Pay.

It’s great that you decided to get clean, it is brave and worth commending. Now it’s time to answer the big question “how much does opioid rehab cost?”.

To understand the overall cost of opioid rehab in Canada, you have to understand what constitutes the cost. These are what you may call the main factors that influence the cost of opioid rehab.

Type of opioid rehab

This is the most important factor that determines the cost of opioid rehab. It plays a major role in determining the amount you will have to pay for your treatment. Various types of opioid rehab employ different elements and methods of treatment. Each is quite effective and it’s difficult to pick which one is best.

However, there are two broad categorizations for the types of opioid rehab available. These are the in-patient opioid rehab and outpatient opioid rehab.

In-patient rehab involves admitting the patient into a care facility for the period of treatment. This care facility may or may not be a designated hospital or clinic. However, it will have the necessary equipment for your accommodation and care.

In-patient opioid rehab employs elements of detox, medication and various therapies to care for patients. The most popular therapy it employs is group therapy. Group therapy is useful for providing support, feedback and encouragement for the patients. There, you will get the support you need every step of the way to your recovery.

Due to the accommodation, feeding and treatment fees, the cost of this type of opioid addiction treatment is on the high side. The cheapest ones often cost around $6,000 for a 30-day program. But some programs charge up to $20,000 for 30 days of treatment. The long-term programs that last for 60 to 90 days can cost between $12,000 to $60,000.

The outpatient program is however pretty different from the in-patient program. While also very broad, it employs a common premise that involves no admission of patients for treatment. During the duration of treatment, you will be free to go about your other businesses. You will only need to come in for your treatment per the schedule with your treatment care providers.

You should opt for this type of opioid addiction treatment if you need to go about your daily business while receiving treatment. However, this type of treatment is most effective for mild to moderate opioid addiction. It may not be effective for extreme addiction.

Since there’s no accommodation fee, it’s cheaper than inpatient treatment. You will often find this type of treatment for $5,000 for a duration of three months. The high-end outpatient treatments may cost you up to $10,000. Keep in mind that other factors also contribute to the cost.

There are other types of treatments such as detox, individual therapy and many more. They also influence the cost of opioid rehab but not to a large extent. If you’ll be going for inpatient treatment, prepare to spend a lot of money. The outpatient program is cheaper, however, it may not be effective for extreme addiction.

The method of treatment

The cost of opioid rehab will also depend on the method of therapy your treatment provider recommends. There are different ways to treat addiction issues. But most facilities use a variety of combinations of these different methods. Typically, opioid rehab can involve the use of therapy and even medications.

Usually, therapies provide the cheapest ways of treating addiction. However, they only work best for mild addictions. They work best for new addicts who are yet to develop a lifestyle around substance abuse. The cost may range from around $50 to $300 per session depending on the therapist.

There are other types of treatment that work for severe addictions. They may involve the use of medication, detox, alternative therapies and many more. All these methods of treatment vary in their effectiveness. So what works for someone else may not be effective for you.

Most in-patient rehab centers use a combination of all the methods of treatment. While outpatient centers rely a lot on therapy and medications. Of course, this disparity also reflects in the cost of opioid rehab.

rehab therpist group

The level of facilities available

The facilities and amenities the treatment centers provide don’t come for free. You should not expect to have access to them for free. The cost of purchase, operation and maintenance of these facilities are all part of the total cost of opioid rehab.

Some of these facilities and amenities include; physical therapy centers, pools, sports facilities and many more. They are usually provided by in-patient treatment centers as alternative treatments for the patients. Some outpatient centers also offer some of these facilities to provide an alternative treatment to patients.

You can expect to find all these facilities and more at luxury rehab centers. These high-end treatment centers are for people who can afford a luxurious lifestyle. Sometimes, they feature beaches, mountainside views, and even exquisite cuisine by popular chefs. You can expect to pay tens of thousands every month for opioid addiction treatment at these centers.

Detox and medication

Detox and medication are more expensive than therapy. This is because they’re more intensive and also require the use of drugs. Detox is a process of getting rid of the drug from the body. For cases of severe opioid addiction, it takes a while to remove all traces of the drugs from the body.

Medications are useful for making the detoxification process faster and less painful. Doctors use various drugs to reduce the effects of withdrawal and the risk of a relapse. As you can already guess, these drugs are a little bit expensive. You can only get them with a prescription from a qualified doctor, so they’re not easy to get.

Some of these drugs include:

  • Methadone: The main effect of this drug is that it reduces drug cravings and eliminates withdrawal symptoms. It does this by creating a similar effect to the opioid on the receptors in the brain. This way, it gives users what they want minus the euphoric effects of the opioids. This drug often costs about $159 for a weekly dose.
  • Buprenorphine: This works similarly to methadone. You can even call it an alternative or complementary drug to methadone. It also works on the opioid receptors in your brain and reduces withdrawal symptoms. Taking this drug twice a week, you will be spending around $115 every week.
  • Naltrexone: This is the strongest and most expensive of the medications on this list. It also has a stronger effect than the two other drugs on the list. It works by blocking the activation of opioid receptors in your brain, effectively shutting down all cravings for opioids. You will spend an average of $1,180 per month for this drug.

You have to pay for the purchase of the drugs and the support during the detoxification process. If you’re at an in-patient facility, the medication and detox costs are part of the total cost for the program. However, for the outpatient program, the cost of medication is often separate from the treatment cost.

When you consider all the factors we stated, you can easily deduce what the cost of opioid rehab will be. It is easier if you view these factors as a pricing guide for opioid rehab. Take them into consideration and decide how much you can expect to pay for opioid rehab.

How to Afford the Cost of Opioid Addiction Rehab

Yeah, we’ve been going on and on about the cost of opioid rehab for a while now. And we keep mentioning amounts in thousands of dollars. You’re probably thinking “ I know how much I should pay for opioid rehab but how can I afford that?” The cost seems like a daunting prospect. Well, it won’t be with the financing aids we will explain below.

Use existing health insurance

Good news! You can use your existing health insurance to cover the cost of your opioid addiction rehab. Health insurances usually provide cover for substance abuse treatment just like every other treatment.

Yes, there will be a little bit of bureaucracy and formalities with the process. But your health insurance should provide the cover you need for your opioid addiction treatment.

However, note that your insurance may not be sufficient to cover the entire cost of your treatment. In this case, you will need to seek alternative means to get the remaining fees. Also, insurance may not cover some types of treatments depending on the insurance contract. For example, some insurance may not cover the cost of holistic forms of opioid therapy.

Apply for rehab scholarships

Many clinics provide rehab scholarships to patients. These are clinics that receive grants from various organizations to help with the fight against substance abuse. All you need to do is to seek out such clinics and apply for treatment with them. They will provide free treatment for your opioid addiction.

Don’t worry, you won’t need to file for insurance to get treatment at the clinics. The sole aim of these clinics is to support people who can’t afford the cost of opioid rehab. You’re sure to get free treatment as long as they have free scholarships available.

Apply to Government-funded facilities

There are various state and federal government-funded programs for addiction treatment. You can apply to any of those through the public health department. However, you may need to meet certain requirements to be eligible for treatment under these programs.

Also, keep in mind that government-funded programs may not be entirely free. You may also need to cover some of the cost by yourself. Nonetheless, they provide sufficient subsidies on the cost of opioid rehab and treatment.

Related Article: The Timeline for Opioid Addiction Treatment

Conclusion

The cost of opioid rehab shouldn’t scare you off deciding to get help. It may seem daunting at first, but when you consider it, it’s not. Compare it to the impact of addiction on your life and you will see that it is negligible.

Do you or anyone you know need help getting rid of opioid addiction? Please feel free to contact us or check out our opioid addiction rehab services. Here at 1000 Islands Rehab Centre, we have the mandate to assist and support you throughout your recovery journey. Your wellness is of paramount priority to us. Get in touch with us today!

Categories
Opioid Addiction

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction?

In addition to behavioural therapy, the use of medications like methadone can help to treat opioid addiction. Medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction is a cost-effective method of treating opioid dependence. The medications help to reduce severe withdrawal symptoms making it the best treatment for opioid addiction. Also, incorporating medications into opioid addiction fosters recovery and reduces the risk of relapse.

There are several misconceptions about using medications to treat opioid addiction. Contrary to the myths, using medications isn’t the same as substituting one addictive drug for the other. Rather, you can liken it to using medications to control a particular ailment. In this article, we will debunk some misconceptions surrounding medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction.

Want to know how medication helps with opioid addiction? This article discusses the types of medications used in medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. Here, we will answer all your questions on medicated-assisted treatment for opiates abuse.

What is Medication-Assisted Addiction Treatment?

Medication-Assisted Treatment for opioid addiction can also be known as MAT or MATOD. It is using drugs like naltrexone, methadone or buprenorphine to treat opioid addiction.

Not only do these medications treat opioid addiction, but they also help in maintaining the results. Because opioid addiction affects the patients’ brains, sudden withdrawal can be life-threatening.

Furthermore, what medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction does is that it helps to normalize the brain’s chemistry. Also, the medications block the euphoria patients get from using opioids and normalize their body functions.

You can use naltrexone, methadone or buprenorphine for several years or a lifetime. However, should you decide to discontinue the use of the medications, consult your doctor first.

opioid drugs

How Medicated Assisted Addiction Treatment for Opioid Addiction Works

According to an NCBI report, people who are addicted to opioids are likely to relapse after detoxification if they decide to abstain from opioids. Although relapsing is part of recovery, it can also be dangerous especially when the patient overdoses on opioids.

Substituting opioids for buprenorphine or naltrexone can help in the reduction of withdrawal symptoms. For instance, naltrexone works by hindering the opioid receptors from activating.

While naltrexone can be referred to as an opioid antagonist, buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. Presently, these are the only recommended medications used in combating opioid addiction. Although naltrexone, methadone and buprenorphine work in reducing withdrawal symptoms, they have different functions. Also, they are administered in different ways.

Furthermore, for severe withdrawal symptoms, buprenorphine is the best treatment for opioid addiction. While methadone is used to detoxify patients from opioids that last long like morphine. Finally, with diseases like diabetes, respiratory deficiency or head injuries should be given these medications with caution.

Also, we don’t underemphasize the importance of counselling. The reason is, patients who don’t undergo therapy have higher risks of relapse. While medications assisted treatment can help with opioid addiction, it works hand in hand with therapy.

Types of Medications Used in Medication Addiction Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction surrounds three major medications. They are naltrexone, buprenorphine and methadone.

In choosing the right medication, there are specific regulations and supply chains that should be considered. These drugs affect patients in different ways hence their varied recovery rate.

Buprenorphine

The combination of buprenorphine and buprenorphine-naloxone has been used to treat patients with opioid addiction. Unlike methadone, buprenorphine is more accessible and has a reduced chance of further abuse.

Also, compared to other medications for opioid addiction, buprenorphine has better side effects. This medication is characterized by its high receptor affinity that means its effects last longer.

Furthermore, buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. After taking buprenorphine, you will start to experience milder withdrawal symptoms. Also, the administration of buprenorphine prevents other stronger opiates from having an effect on  your brain.

Buprenorphine is recommended for patients with mild opioid addiction withdrawal. Hence, it’s less effective when used for strong opiates like heroin.

Patients are to avoid using respiratory depressants in combination with buprenorphine. Since buprenorphine has a reduced risk of dependence, it is safe to use for HIV or AIDS opioid users.

Also, buprenorphine, unlike methadone, can be dispensed or prescribed in the doctor’s office.

The process of stopping the use of buprenorphine is referred to as tapering. Only a doctor or addiction expert is allowed to assist the patient during this process.

Naloxone

Naloxone works by blocking the euphoria accompanied by taking cosine, morphine or heroin. Not only does Naloxone block opioid receptors in the brain, but it also binds them. Unlike methadone and buprenorphine, naloxone does not activate the opioid receptors. One advantage of Naloxone is that it is non-addictive.

Naloxone can reverse and prevent the effects of an opioid in case of relapse or overdose. It does this by quickly detoxifying the body of the opioid. Also, in the space of 2 minutes, Naloxone can quickly stop respiratory depression that is induced by morphine.

Naloxone has few side effects and is considered safe to use as medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. Also, the availability of Naloxone has reduced death from opioid overdose to 40%. For opioid addiction, Naloxone is administered as an extended-release intramuscular injectable. It can only be administered by a licensed medical practitioner.

Typically, Naloxone will be given to you once in four weeks by a medical practitioner. One benefit of this medication is that it doesn’t cause any withdrawal symptoms when you abstain from it. With Naloxone, there’s no risk of diversion of potential. However, patients below 18 aren’t allowed to use Naloxone as medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction.

There’s a word of warning that comes with using Naloxone. If you stop using it, you will have a reduced tolerance for opioids. This means there’s a risk of overdose with a relapse. Taking the same amount you used to consume can have fatal consequences.

In addition to this, you must abstain from consuming other opioids or alcohol while on Naloxone treatment. The same goes for sedatives, and tranquilisers. If you’re going to be taking other medication with Naloxone, it’s important to inform your doctors.

Conclusively, the use of naloxone can last several months or years. It all depends on how effective the medication is for your unique condition. Also, as long as recovery is stable, there is no need for patients to taper off naloxone.

naloxone

Methadone

Methadone isn’t a new medication for opioid addiction as it’s been in use since 1964. It’s a long-lasting opioid that works by binding opioid receptors present in the spinal cord and the brain.

It activates them while reducing the cravings and withdrawal symptoms caused by the opioid. Also, methadone reduces the high feeling that accompanies the use of opioids.

Furthermore, methadone medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction is safe, effective and efficient. It is administered once a day but only through a licensed opioid treatment program. Also, more than half of opioid addicts are under maintenance treatment with over 60% of them receiving methadone. Under the maintenance treatment using methadone, there has been a decrease in the abuse use of opiates.

The result is reductions in problems associated with opioid use such as crime and intravenous drug use. Methadone treatment helps in normalizing how opioid addicts’ immune systems function. It also alters how they respond to stress.

Additionally, methadone helps patients perform well in difficult cognitive tasks. Just like buprenorphine, methadone is highly effective. However, the use of methadone can restrict the hormones that release gonadotropin. According to an NCBI journal, this can cause a decrease in testosterone levels.

In conclusion, methadone can prolong polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or QT. Opioid patients who are experiencing prolonged QT are to switch to another treatment that has buprenorphine. The reason is buprenorphine doesn’t have any effect on QT. Purified methadone otherwise known as Levomethadone can be used as an alternative treatment.

Related Article: The Timeline for Opioid Addiction Treatment

Advantages of Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction

One advantage of medication for opioid addiction is that it reduces withdrawal symptoms. It is more like weaning the patient off opioids rather than cutting it off completely. Also, medications can help you complete the detoxification process quickly and easily.

However, each medication has its advantages which may differ from the rest. Here are the advantages of the different drugs used in medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction.

Advantages of methadone

  • It gives a better chance of complete recovery from opioid addiction
  • It allows patients to focus more on addiction treatment seeing as they don’t have to worry about withdrawal symptoms.
  • It makes stability during early recovery stability a possibility.
  • It improves the patient’s quality of life.
  • It decreases the outbreak of infectious diseases.

Advantages of buprenorphine

  • It helps in ameliorating the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
  • It is cost-effective.
  • The possibility of respiratory depression is low compared to methadone.
  • The overdose potential of buprenorphine is low.

Advantages of naloxone

  • It doesn’t cause dependency or tolerance
  • It has reduced the risks of complications.
  • Its accessibility has reduced the rate of fatal overdoses.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Misconceptions

It’s normal for people to know the wrong things about what medication-assisted treatment is. This is due to many misconceptions in the media about the treatment method. In many ways, the misconceptions about medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction have overshadowed its benefits.

Myth 1- People who use medication-assisted treatment are weak and lack discipline.

Addiction stems from the misuse or abuse of opioids which isn’t the best decision. However, addiction changes the brain and causes real pain. Although quitting opioid use on your own is possible, it’s dangerous. Many patients undergo several phases of relapse and recovery which can be life-threatening.

Furthermore, the process of recovery is easier especially when the patient receives medication-assisted treatment. This treatment method is safer compared to opioid abstinence without assistance. Also, it has prevented deaths from dangerous practices associated with opioid use and overdose.

Myth 2- Medication-assisted treatment isn’t the right moral choice.

The different perception of opioid addiction is responsible for the negative stigma of medication-assisted treatment. Typically, addiction is a result of repeated use of certain drugs alongside other environmental and genetic factors. Also, it leads to changes in the opioid receptors that are present in the brain.

Owing to this, it’s only right that addiction is perceived as a medical disease that should be treated medically. Just like other diseases, addiction should be treated with the use of medication.

On the other hand, people also view addiction as a spiritual or moral problem. This perception views patients who decide to use medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction as weak. The reason is patients are still going to be using another “drug” consistently.

Myth 3- Medication-assisted treatment is substituting one addiction for the other.

Many patients don’t understand why doctors are administering opioids to them when they have an opioid addiction. Medications like methadone and buprenorphine are opioids and they are also used in treating opioid addiction. However, it’s wrong to conclude that these medications are another addiction.

In fact, there are other non-opioid options for patients who don’t want opioid medications. A typical example of a non-opioid medication is naltrexone. It is equally as effective as methadone and buprenorphine.

Myth 4- Because the medication-assisted treatment doesn’t end drug addiction immediately, it’s not effective

Medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction is not a cure. It helps to know that addiction is the same as a severe disease. Like other chronic diseases, the medications given to manage them aren’t regarded as the cure. For instance, people with diabetes are given insulin shots to manage the disease.

Also, high blood pressure patients have to take medications for years to manage their condition. In the same vein, opioid addicts may have to continue taking medications for years. The drugs don’t particularly cure the addiction, rather it helps you manage it.

opioid drug cap

Myth 5- People receiving medication-assisted treatment have a high risk of overdosing.

Medication addiction treatment helps in reducing deaths caused by opioid overdose. Therefore, it debunks the misconception of MAT being the cause of overdose. On the contrary, opioid addicts who don’t receive medication-assisted treatment are at a higher risk of overdosing.

Frequently Asked Questions on Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction

When going into a new treatment, having lots of questions is completely normal. Here are some of the most asked questions on medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction.

Can Methadone get me high?

When methadone is given in its proper dosage by a licensed professional, it cannot get you high.

How long does medication-assisted treatment last?

Depending on your type of addiction treatment, medication-assisted treatment differs from person to person. However, the longer you spend during medication-assisted treatment, the higher your chances of recovery.

Is methadone safe for pregnant women?

When a pregnant woman undergoes medication-assisted treatment, no harm of any sort is done to the child. Studies have shown that exposure to methadone does not impair cognitive and developmental functions in the child. Instead, it reduces the chances of death and illnesses in the mother and child.

What are the side effects of methadone?

Contrary to popular opinion, methadone increases the physical health of a patient after usage. For patients with underlying conditions like poor dental care, poor nutrition and poor medical conditions, they can become obvious after methadone is administered.

How do I start medicated-assisted Treatments?

First, you need to see a licensed professional who will examine the nature of your addiction and permit you to get them. Under a pharmacist’s supervision, your drug dosage will be given to you.

Remember that these medications are to be used in continuation with addiction rehab and therapy programs. Therefore, if you enroll in an in-patient opioid rehab program, you’ll be getting daily supervision and monitoring while using your drugs. For outpatient rehab, you may have to go in for treatments on set appointment dates.

What are the effects of medication-assisted treatment on driving?

During treatment, professionals advise that you stay away from driving. These drugs can affect your driving skills in the first week of administration..

When can I leave Medication-assisted treatment on opioid dependence?

Before quitting medication-assisted treatment, there’s a need to hold a conversation with your opioid addiction doctors. The doctors will give you criteria to meet before you quit medication.

Common criteria include when you:

  • Use psychosocial interventions.
  • Do not have issues with alcohol use.
  • Have had time to deal with underlying issues.
  • Withdraw over months, rather than the common weekly or daily withdrawal.

It is important to note that quitting medication prematurely can cause a relapse. Ensure you complete your medication for successful treatments.

Related Article: 8 Myths about Opioid Addiction

To Sum It Up

The best treatment for opioid addiction is the use of medications like naloxone, methadone and buprenorphine. Usually, when you try to abstain on their own, the withdrawal symptoms are severe. Medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction works by normalizing the brain’s chemistry. Also, the medications help patients to sustain their recovery and lead normal lives.

Asides from preventing adverse effects of withdrawal symptoms, MAT helps patients to improve the quality of their life. Patients who are stable in their recovery can return to society and also return to normal activities. However, if a patient relapses while on this treatment, it can be very fatal. The reason is buprenorphine, methadone and naloxone decrease patients’ tolerance to opioids.

Just like other severe diseases, addiction isn’t cured with the use of medications. Rather the medications help patients manage the disease. Also, it helps when people see addiction as a disease other than a moral problem. Opioid addiction isn’t a death sentence as patients can overcome their addiction.

Do you need more information on how medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction works? Our addiction treatment experts at 1000 Islands Rehab Centre can answer any questions you have. Contact us today!

Categories
Addiction Treatment

How Much Does it Cost for Sober Living?

When you factor in the cost of sober living in Toronto, the accumulated cost of addiction recovery may seem like a lot. But, once you start the process of recovery, doing everything right is important. You shouldn’t go through detox, withdrawal, medications, only to stop at therapy. Especially if you were an inpatient, you should take the further step of engaging in sober living facilities.

As a landing ground mainly for inpatients, the benefits outweigh the cost of sober living in Toronto. With the help of these facilities, patients get to establish new life routines that will aid their sobriety.

Some several factors and elements go into sober living homes achieving their mandate. All these in one way or the other influence the resulting cost. Hence, the need for this blog post where we examine the cost of sober living in Toronto.

sober house living

Is the Cost of Sober Living Homes Helpful?

According to the journal of psychoactive drugs from the NCBI, Toronto sober living facilities do extend your sober time. These facilities achieve a massive improvement in your psychiatric symptoms. They reduce the risk of exposure to triggers. Also, staying in these facilities helps you stay free from depression and anxiety symptoms.

So, to answer the question of whether it’s worth it. Yes, the cost of Toronto sober living is part of an effective process towards recovery. These stable environments have helped numerous persons live a responsible life, helping them achieve independence again, sober. It’s a safe space outside of the rehab center.

One very important thing the cost of sober living in Toronto affords you is being able to make the most of the 12-step program. In these spaces, you are in a safe zone and you can focus on getting better.

sober homes

Cost of Sober Living in Toronto and Influencing Factors

The cost of sober living in Toronto differs in different cities and countries. Location matters in issues of rehab, sober living homes and hospital. Hence, you should do your research for different facilities in different locations to know what works for you.

Even in a city like Toronto, the cost of sober living varies. This is because there are private facilities and government-funded facilities. For the former, there are a fixed number of persons it allows per time. Usually, these facilities are situated in serene neighborhoods.

Another influencing factor is what we mentioned above – luxury or basic. Renting space in sober living homes in Toronto is just like home-hunting (without the stress). It’s like you are trying to get a new apartment. Hence, you can go for the luxurious ones or the standard ones. It’s all on what you can afford.

For the basic sober homes, the pricing is always about $500 per month However, this is different for luxury sober homes. In most private luxury facilities, the cost of Toronto sober living can be about $12,000 per month. As we explained earlier, there are more and better amenities in luxury homes.

In basic sober living homes in Toronto, you need to buy your medications and groceries. Hence, you should hold ample cash. When you stay in these facilities, they advise you, most times, to get a job. Getting a job helps beyond finances. It helps you build routines. You also get to feel productive. This helps to keep your mind busy, and away from thoughts of drugs or alcohol.

Related Article: How to Choose Between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab

What does the cost of Sober Living Homes offer?

The very first thing you need to understand and acknowledge is that sober living homes differ from rehab centers. Before proceeding to a sober living home, going to rehab is a compulsory requirement. You should know that rehabs in no way influence the cost of sober living. They are completely independent.

You enjoy ongoing support

One of the very first things you should expect at Toronto sober living homes is that there will be ongoing support from the group. This can either be in the form of group or individual therapy. Also, you should expect to further understand the addiction problem.

To help patients achieve the goal of remaining sober, these houses use several rules. For one, you must pay rent. Also, you need to frequently attend therapy sessions. You should also not bring intoxicating substances to the home. House meetings are also compulsory, just as you must give respect to everyone in the home.

The numerous benefits, despite the pricing of sober living in Toronto, make it worth it. Sober living homes have risen to become a haven – a compulsory one for inpatients.

It’s just like home

While these homes are different from rehab centers, they do have one thing in common. Both facilities come in different luxury grades. Sober living homes also picked the idea of having a luxury facilities version. With five-star amenities, these luxury homes offer a more wholesome experience than standard homes. The cost of sober living in such a luxurious facility is certainly higher than standard and basic facilities’.

In luxury sober living homes in Toronto, tenants get to have a very close feeling to ‘home’. Everything there makes you feel at home, just that they are shared. But if you lived in a large family before rehab, you won’t mind.

These facilities feature the best of furniture, recreation areas, electronics, and other gadgets that make living more interesting. Every part of these facilities spells luxury – both private and public areas. The spaces are elegant and comfortable. Also, while these luxury homes allow you to bring your possessions, the room you get is bound to be already furnished to perfection.

In luxury sober living facilities in Toronto, more wholesome programs are included in the routine. For instance, you get to enjoy the best of yoga, meditation, art therapy, and physical fitness.

There are tangible indications that these programs help recovered addicts reach deeper into themselves. In doing so, it helps them solve issues that led to the use of drugs in the first place. Mastering a habit of these activities is a massive boost on the journey to being sober.

sober sofa

Freedom and structure in the same package

When you are in a sober living home in Toronto, you should expect to be with others most of the time. Especially after the 12-step model, group meetings are bound to follow. Most homes are strict with these meetings. Some of these facilities even mark attendance. This is because being present at the 12-step program relates closely to recovery.

One important fact you should be aware of is that luxury homes don’t babysit you. The high-end facilities are there, but they don’t treat you like a baby. Doing so will simply be going against the general framework and tenet of sober living homes. Hence, don’t expect the staff to be waiting for you at the door upon your admission into the facility. Sober living homes, despite the cost, are all about helping you build personal responsibility.

How should you Prepare for a Sober Living Home?

After sorting the cost of sober living in Toronto, preparation for entrance into the facility is key. It’s different from rehab in Toronto. Sober living homes, as you now understand, are more like facilities where you are one leg in the world, and one leg in rehab. That halfway point is vital for your seamless transition back to society after long rehab periods.

Adjusting to life after rehab is not easy. But you aren’t alone. Even in preparing for sober living, you aren’t alone. If you ever feel like you need something more than what this section offers, talk to someone. Talk to professionals at the rehab, or the director of the sober living facility in Toronto.

In this section, we put together everything you should put in place. Your needs may transcend these, but they are a very good start.

  • Insurance plan: You should ensure that you sort your insurance issues with the company. Know everything your insurance coverage includes, amongst other information
  • The detail on your addiction history: You should be ready to reiterate your previous condition as an addict. The staff at the facility will ask you questions as they aim to know just how severe your addiction was.
  •  What substances were you involved in? This is another question you should be ready to answer. You have to lay everything bare as it helps them figure out how best to help you.
  • Medical History: Have the files with details of your medical history with you, if any. For instance, if you have heart conditions, diabetes or pregnancy.
  • History of your mental health: Suffering mental issues in the wake of addiction and its subsequent recovery is common. Hence, these facilities always want to know where you stand mentally.
  • Your personal belongings: You don’t have to take everything you own with you. You’ll be good if all you take are the stuff that went into rehab with you. Depending on how luxurious the facility you are renting from us, you may or may not need most things. The facilities are set for you already.
  • Know the sober living pricing models: You can’t just head to any random facility and seek admission. You need prior information on what the pricing is like there. You can find this out online or through a friend. You can also get recommendations from the professionals at your rehab. Just make sure you do your due diligence to know the cost of sober living you’ll incur.

When you have everything above prepared, your admission into the sober living home in Toronto will be easier. You can also go over and beyond to provide information you feel is necessary, even if we don’t have it written in this section.

You can never give the caregivers at the sober homes enough information. The more you give them, the better they understand how uniquely to treat you. This is best for your recovery and transition into society.

Facts about Sober Living Homes to Note

Beyond knowing how much sober living does cost, you should know these facts. The basis of these facts, however, is that sober living homes won’t perform magic on you. Even after paying the cost of sober living in these facilities, put in the work.

They are not homeless shelters

These aren’t facilities you check into after rehab simply because you don’t have a home. They are facilities to help you reshape your daily lives. They help you fall in sync with the real world again.

There are strict rules to follow

While these facilities offer flexibility and freedom unlike rehabs, there are rules. The administration in these homes ensures these rules are adhered to. For instance, you must obey the curfew, your visitors must be drug-free, and you can only get visitors during the visiting hours.

They are not free

As you probably know already, you will bear the cost of sober living in Toronto. These facilities aren’t free, and some can be very costly. You pay for what you are getting. Some of these facilities are very exclusive.

There are more sober living facilities for men than women

Women coming out of rehab most times have the issue of getting a sober living home in Toronto. There are not as many sober living homes for women as there are for men. One major complication is kids. There are not many facilities that support mothers and their children.

You will undergo a compulsory drug test and community life

At sober living homes in Toronto, you should be ready for random drug tests. This is in the bid to maintain the integrity of the home. Thanks to the randomness of these tests, you will have to stay sober as you can’t tell when the next testing will be.

Also, you don’t necessarily have a private life. Community formation is the strength of sober homes. So most activities of the day will be in communities and groups. You should be ready for that life.

Related Article: Medical Detox Cost in Canada

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article does justice to answer questions of whether sober living is expensive. It all depends on what you are trying to get — luxury or basic. The cost of Toronto sober living is all about your taste and what you want to enjoy in your transition period.

But one thing is more important to note than cost. And, that’s your willingness. You need to be ready and willing to stay sober even in such a freer environment.

The journey to recovery is a long, sometimes arduous, one. However, with the professionals we have at our addiction rehab center, you are in good hands. Here at 1000 Islands Rehab Centre, we will provide you with all the aftercare support and help you need. Reach out to us now!