Substance Use Disorder Program
Our progressive treatments address the cause of your symptoms so you can rediscover your life.
Envision Mind Care offers a revolutionary approach to substance use or addiction recovery, where client-centred care is not just a tagline, but the essence of our work. We aim to prioritize understanding, compassion, and respect for the unique struggles, experiences, and needs of each individual with a substance use problem.
We welcome all people who are dealing with problems using substances - from misuse to addiction.
Creating a recovery-based, client-centered treatment program for individuals struggling with substance use involves a multidimensional approach, taking into account not just the physical health of the individual, but also their mental and emotional well-being, their personal circumstances, and their specific goals and needs.
Multi-disciplinary Approach: Our team comprises a diverse range of experts, including psychiatrists, psychologists, addiction counsellor, dietitian, nurses, yoga instructor, and other medical professionals - all collaborating to provide holistic care. By integrating multiple perspectives, we can better address the full range of our clients' needs – physical, mental, emotional, and social.
A substance use disorder (SUD) is a diagnosable medical condition.
Substance use disorders occur when a person:
compulsively seeks and uses a substance(s),
is unable to make healthy choices, and
continues use despite negative consequences.
Clients who have a substance use disorder can find effective relief that can address the underlying reasons for the disorder as well as help strengthen neural pathways to aid in long-term healing.
“I am amazed at how easy it is to live my life without the crutches of intoxication. I have joy in my life again.” -client
Improving relationships with loved ones
Substance Use/Addiction can often lead to strained relationships with family members and loved ones. Our therapists are focused on helping to understand addiction related behaviour, improving communication skills and emotional regulation, leading to better relationships.
Top Reasons to Treat Substance Use
Increasing productivity and quality of life
Substance use can negatively impact an individual's productivity and quality of life. Our TMS therapy and addiction counselling has been found to help with reduce craving , improve cognitive performance and help withdrawal and cravings which can often co-occur with substance use disorder/addiction, leading to increased productivity and a better quality of life.
Improving mood and overall well-being
4 out of 5 people with substance use disorder have 1 or more mental health conditions. Our TMS and ketamine treatments has been found to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), leading to improved mood and overall well-being.
Find out if you or someone you know may have an alcohol or substance use problem by taking a short 4-question test below:
Enhancing motivation and energy levels
Our TMS therapy has been found to enhance motivation and energy levels by stimulating specific areas of the brain that regulate these functions, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Outpatient & Inpatient
Substance Use Disorder (SUD)/Addiction Program
Our comprehensive outpatient (and coming inpatient) substance use/addiction treatment program incorporates TMS, ketamine, psychoeducational workshops, and counselling. Our outpatient SUD program only runs at specified times and involves regular Monday to Friday (plus some other appointment days) sessions at our clinic while allowing individuals to continue living at home. Unlike other centers, we offer smaller groups for a higher client-to-staff ratio so we can cater to each individual’s needs. Many people cannot take months to years off work or away from their families to look at their recovery – so our outpatient program can be just what you may need.
What sets this program apart?
Initial Assessment: The treatment program begins with a thorough assessment conducted by substance use (addiction) specialists. They evaluate the individual's substance use history, overall health, and any co-occurring mental health conditions, as well as the individual’s readiness to change. This assessment helps determine the suitability of TMS and Ketamine as part of the treatment plan.
Psychiatric Consultation and Medication Review: Our program features regular psychiatric consultations administered by our dedicated psychiatrist throughout the duration. These sessions provide in-depth diagnostic clarification and comprehensively review your current medication regimen. This ensures an integrative approach, personalized to your needs, which is consistently maintained during the program.
Counselling and Psychotherapy: Individual and group sessions are crucial in outpatient addiction treatment. Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) are commonly used. These therapies help individuals develop coping strategies, address underlying issues, and modify addictive behaviours.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Depending on the specific substances involved, medication-assisted treatment may be considered. While TMS and Ketamine can play a role in this aspect, other medications, such as buprenorphine or naltrexone, may also be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, or block the effects of certain substances.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): TMS sessions may be incorporated into the treatment plan to target specific brain regions involved in depression and addiction. The frequency and duration of TMS sessions will depend on individual needs and the clinical judgment of the treatment team. TMS can help with your depression and may help reduce cravings and withdrawal, normalize brain activity, and enhance the effectiveness of counselling and therapy.
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: Ketamine sessions, administered under medical supervision, may be included to facilitate therapeutic interventions. Ketamine's effects on the brain can enhance the therapeutic process by promoting introspection, reducing anxiety, and increasing motivation for change. This approach may involve combining ketamine administration with counselling or psychotherapy sessions if a client agrees.
Personalized Post Program Care Plan: After completing the SUD program, participants will receive additional sessions of Ketamine therapy until completed the agreed upon amount. Furthermore, participants will meet with an addiction counsellor and our psychiatrist to monitor their progress and evaluate ongoing needs. This individualized attention ensures each participant’s unique recovery journey and fosters sustained progress.
Program Duration and Venue: The outpatient program runs for three at our conveniently situated clinic, located near the Legislative Building. Free parking is available onsite for your convenience. The program operates five days a week, with daily sessions running from 8:15 am to 5:00 pm. A few other appointments will be scheduled outside of that timeframe, including Saturdays. We've designed these arrangements to provide the utmost convenience for our participants, in both location and schedule.
Substance Use Disorder/Addictions Treatment and Therapies
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Ketamine are being studied and utilized in treating addiction, although they approach it from different angles. Let's explore each of these treatments in the context of addiction:
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific regions of the brain. It is primarily used in the treatment of depression but has also shown promise in addiction treatment. TMS can target the prefrontal cortex, a brain region involved in decision-making, impulse control, and craving regulation.
Studies have suggested that TMS may be beneficial in reducing drug cravings and decreasing relapse rates in individuals with substance use disorders. By modulating neural activity in the prefrontal cortex, TMS may help restore the balance in brain circuits disrupted by addiction.
Learn more about TMS treatment
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy
Ketamine is an anesthetic medication that has gained attention for its potential in treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has also shown some promise in the treatment of substance use disorder and addiction.
Ketamine acts on the glutamate system in the brain, promoting the growth of new synaptic connections and potentially reversing some of the neuroadaptations caused by addiction. It may help individuals with substance use disorders by reducing cravings, enhancing motivation for change, and facilitating psychotherapy sessions.
Ketamine-assisted therapy, where ketamine is administered under medical supervision along with therapy, has been explored for addiction treatment. It is typically used as an adjunct to traditional therapies for treating treatment resistant depression.
Learn more about Ketamine therapy
A complete environment for your mental health
Substance Use Disorder (SUD)/Addiction Program Schedule
Currently, we offer appointments 5 days a week for Addiction Counselling, TMS and/or Ketamine treatments to fit your schedule.
At this time, we are not currently scheduling an outpatient SUD program, but we welcome any interest and would be pleased to put you on a wait list to contact you once an upcoming date is established. Our last SUD program finished in November 2023.
We are excited to announce an Inpatient substance use/addiction program coming in 2024 as well!
Outpatient Appointments
(current program)
Intake, Meeting with Psychiatrist, 1-1 counselling sessions with Addiction Counsellor, receiving TMS and/or Ketamine treatments.
6 + weeks
Outpatient Substance Use/Addiction Program
Intake, Meeting with Psychiatrist, TMS, Ketamine, weekly 1-1 addiction counselling, substance use education workshops, workshops and individual sessions, psychology group sessions, and yoga.
3 weeks + follow-up sessions
Inpatient Substance Use/Addiction Program
(Coming 2024)
Intake, Meeting with Psychiatrist, TMS, Ketamine, weekly 1-1 addiction counselling, substance use education workshops, dietitian workshops and individual sessions, psychology sessions, and yoga. Residing at the clinic overnight in a private bedroom at our facility while receiving treatments and programming.
4 weeks + follow up sessions
Cost
We are dedicated to supporting veterans, teachers and first responders on disability. In recognition of their service, we are committed to providing them with care without any additional charges by utilizing their benefits. We understand the unique challenges they face and aim to remove financial barriers to accessing our services.
If you are currently under WCB (Worker's Compensation Board) and coping with your trauma and other mental illnesses using substances, you might benefit from our SUD program. Please discuss with our team to help managing your substance use.
Additionally, for those who may not qualify for this specific benefit, we also offer various private payment options to ensure that everyone seeking our assistance can receive the support they need. Our office would be happy to assist you in setting up a payment plan as well to assist you. Most insurance and benefits do not cover the cost of private substance use treatment.
Trauma
Many individuals with substance use disorders have histories of trauma. We are a trauma-informed care facility. Trauma-informed care means understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma and integrating this knowledge into treatment practices and policies. We use scientifically validated methods in our clinic, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, along with other evidence-based practices that have been shown to be effective in treating substance use disorders.
Holistic Health and Wellness Approaches
Integrating holistic health and wellness approaches can improve overall well-being and resilience. At Envision Mind Care, this will involve activities such as yoga, meditation, exercise, nutrition counseling, and other forms of self-care.
Our environment is one of non-judgment, respect, and understanding. We uphold the dignity and rights of all clients, recognizing that recovery is a personal and unique journey that requires patience, empathy, and unconditional support.
Through this client-centered, non 12 step approach, Envision Mind Care Recovery aspires to transform the lives of individuals affected by substance use, one person at a time, helping them rebuild a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Addiction Education Workshops
Envision Mind Care Outpatient (and later Inpatient) Substance Use Disorder (SUD)/Addiction Program also offers a series of Addiction Education Workshops as part of the daily programming. It is designed to equip our clients with valuable knowledge about the nature of substance use/addiction, its causes, consequences, and ways to manage it. These workshops are informative, interactive, and aimed at fostering a better understanding of substance use disorders.
Topics include:
Understanding Addiction: This workshop breaks down the science of addiction, covering the effects of various substances on the brain and body, and the biological and psychological factors that can contribute to dependency.
The Cycle of Addiction: Here we delve into the cycle of addiction – experimentation, regular use, risky use, dependence, and addiction – and how it can be broken. We discuss common triggers and offer strategies for interrupting the cycle and preventing relapse.
Coping Mechanisms and Healthy Alternatives: This workshop introduces a variety of healthier coping mechanisms for managing stress, anxiety, and other triggers of substance use. We explore mindfulness, physical activity, creative outlets, and social strategies that can contribute to overall wellness and sobriety.
Family Dynamics and Addiction: Substance use doesn't just affect the individual. This workshop focuses on how SUD/addiction impacts family dynamics and provides strategies for effective communication, boundary-setting, and asking for needs .
The Role of Peer Support: This material emphasizes the role of peer support in recovery, explaining how shared experiences can provide comfort, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote mutual growth. All forms of community support are discussed from 12-step meetings to SMART recovery.
Preventing Relapse: In this workshop, we focus on recognizing the signs of potential relapse, developing personalized relapse prevention plans, and learning effective strategies to handle cravings and high-risk situations. Relapse Prevention Plans are discussed in counselling sessions as well as clients creating an aftercare plan to follow once complete the SUD program here.
Navigating Recovery: The final workshop in our series discusses life after treatment, including how to maintain recovery in the long term, manage ongoing triggers and stressors, and reintegrate into social and professional life post-recovery.
These workshops, aim to reduce stigma, promote understanding, and provide practical, usable tools for managing substance use/addiction and supporting recovery.
Common Substance Use Disorders we treat at Envision Mind Care
Our clinic and clinicians are well-equipped to address a wide-range of substance use disorders and addictions.
Tobacco Use Disorder
Tobacco use disorder results from addiction to nicotine in tobacco products (cigarettes or vaping), causing dependency and negative physical effects. People who have mental illness are more likely to use it as a way of coping. Brain Stimulation treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been approved for Nicotine Cessation.
Stimulant Use Disorder
Stimulants increase body processes, central nervous system (CNS) activity, alertness, and endurance while decreasing appetite. Chronic use can lead to severe dependence. Common examples include caffeine, nicotine, Ritalin®, Dexedrine®, diet pills, cocaine, crack, speed, and methamphetamine (crystal meth).
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcohol Use Disorder is a medical condition where individuals struggle to stop or control alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. This brain disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe and is not due to a lack of self-discipline. Envision mind care provides a Non 12 step Recovery based approach with both inpatient and outpatient programs.
Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
Benzodiazepines, or "Benzos," are pharmaceutical drugs used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, lack of sleep, epileptic seizures, and withdrawal symptoms from other CNS depressants, like alcohol. Due to their high addiction potential, they are prescribed for short-term use. Examples include Valium, Ativan, Xanax, Restoril, Klonopin, Librium, and Halcion.
Cannabis Use Disorder
Cannabis , since legalized in 2018, has been steadily growing as a major substance use both recreationally and to help manage anxiety, sleep and pain. Risks of cognitive impairment, psychosis, motivation and cannabis use disorder are higher for those using high-THC products and using cannabis daily.
What is Addiction Counselling?
Addiction counselling at Envision Mind Care involves individual sessions to discuss about substance use / addiction and recovery challenges.
The process includes assessment, specialized treatment planning, and exploring the reasons behind the substance use. It aims to strengthen self-worth, develop stress management techniques, improve reactions to triggers, enhance coping skills, repair relationships, and encourage commitment to treatment programs.
Addiction Counsellor, Glenda Calvert, offers 8-12 weekly sessions, with follow-ups as needed for six months. Addiction counselling is not covered under most health insurance plans, therefore if paying out of pocket, it is offered at a reduced rate compared to therapy from a psychologist.
Techniques used at Envision Mind Care include:
Behavioural Therapy
Planning and Psychoeducation
Assertiveness Training
Relaxation Training
Functional Analysis
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
These approaches help individuals understand and modify their behavior, communication, stress management, and motivations for a successful recovery. Our services are useful to those who want explore their relationship to alcohol and other substances, take a break, cut back, or stop drinking or using drugs completely.
