Choosing an Addiction Treatment Centre

Once an addict has made the decision to go through an addiction rehabilitation program, then comes the tough decision of choosing where to go. There are a wide range of options for addiction treatment, including inpatient and outpatient programs.

Choosing an addiction treatment center will require addicts and their support systems to do a little bit of work ahead of time. This is because addiction centers offer a wide range of services, programs and tools, and some will cater to individuals better than others.

To ensure an addict is getting the right care for their needs, the following are some of the best tips for choosing an addiction treatment center.

  1. Do your research 

Whether it’s you that is heading into rehab or a loved one, doing research ahead of time is key to finding the right center. Some online research should be able to tell you about the programs offered, the facility’s design, their recreational options, patient reviews and more.

If you have specific questions, don’t be afraid to make a call to the center as well for some additional information. Being thorough during your search is much better than admitting yourself to a location that isn’t equipped for your needs.

  1. Visit the center

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s a good idea to make a visit to each of them. Choosing an addiction treatment center is a process that should be taken very seriously, which means physically touring the facility and getting a feel for the services offered.

  1. Learn about the programs offered

There are all kinds of programs that a center might utilize for its patients; however, some of them may be more reliable or scientifically-proven than others.

Some of the most well-known approaches to addiction include behavioural therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), group therapy and motivational incentives.

There might also be unique programs such as gender-specific counseling groups, which may speak to some addicts more strongly than others.

  1. Look for individualized treatment programs

It is impossible to offer the same kind of treatment program for everyone; each addict has their own experience and will require specialized treatment for their needs. If you are choosing an addiction treatment center, be sure to ask whether the center offers individualized treatment programs, that consider a wide range of factors including age, sex, family history, culture, length of time in addiction, etc.

These factors differ between every individual, and signal the potential therapies that will work best.

It is also important to be sure that treatment programs evolve as the addict’s current state begins to improve and change. This will require professionals to keep track of an addict’s progress, and to apply changes that mirror their new needs.

  1. Consider the distance

There are benefits to both inpatient and outpatient treatment options, with inpatient treatment being the more consistent and monitored.

However, not every addict wants to leave their everyday life for months at a time, and some may feel that they only require treatment a few days out of the week. Regardless of the decision, be sure to consider the benefits of both programs, and whether or not the addict would benefit more strongly from one over the other.

Choosing an addiction treatment center should not be a rushed process; however, in saying that, it may be critical to get an addict into rehabilitation as soon as possible.

To increase the chances of finding the best center for you or a loved one, be sure to do your research. Choosing any location nearby is risky, since the program may not offer the programs and tools that a specific addict needs most.

Increase your chances of success by planning ahead of learning everything you can about your treatment options.

mental health

How Do Drugs Affect Your Mental Health?




Drugs and Mental Health




Short-Term Effects on Mental Health




Long-Term Effects on Mental Health





Heroin Withdrawal

What to Expect During Heroin Withdrawal?





Strong Cravings



Mood Swings






Aches and Pains




Excessive Body Fluids




Young Adults Use Marijuana

Why Do Young Adults Use Marijuana?

Marijuana continues to be a popular choice for substance users all across Canada, and it is the most common illicit drug used worldwide. Meny children are exposed to the drug in the pre-teen and teenaged years, and Canadian indigenous youth are at particular risk with almost two-thirds of teenagers aged 15-19 reporting marijuana use.

The use of cannabis in young adults is common; unfortunately, the ramifications of early use can be detrimental to their future health. Adolescent use of marijuana has the ability to cause structural and functional damage to the brain, as well as increased chances for mental illness, cognitive decline and impaired neurological development.

So, why do young adults use marijuana? Unfortunately, there are various reasons for ingesting this popular substance. However, recognizing an individual’s specific reasons may make it easier to pinpoint the cause of use, and the solutions for quitting.

Here are some common answers for those who are wondering, ‘Why do young adults use marijuana?’:


Like many substances, a lot of young adults just aren’t educated enough about marijuana. One of the reasons that so many people are comfortable smoking this popular drug is because they assume that it’s harmless and much safer than other options.

The media is a prime suspect for this thinking; marijuana use is constantly made acceptable in song lyrics, music videos and movies. Young audiences see their favorite singers and role models casually smoking, and perceive it to be harmless, cool and care-free.

Unfortunately, many young adults don’t understand the potential effects of smoking marijuana. Short-term effects include anxiety, loss of memory, bad coordination and cognitive issues. The long-term effects can include a weaker immune system, lung infections, paranoia and addiction.


Young adults are constantly experimenting and figuring out what they like and don’t like. Drugs and alcohol are two common items that they will come across on the school yard or during after-school activities, and the curiosity of smoking marijuana is a common reason for trying it.


Obtaining marijuana continues to get easier and easier for young adults, and it is one of the most affordable drugs as well. Not to mention, many states in America are legalizing the drug, making it even easier for people to obtain it.

It is also possible for individuals to grow their own marijuana, and while the process is illegal, many young adults attempt this action to obtain their own supply.

Peer Pressure

One of the things that young adults struggle with is finding a place where they fit in. For many, giving in to peer pressure is a way to get in with the cool crowds, and the temptation often wins.
For parents who are wondering ‘Why do young adults use marijuana?’, one of the main reasons has nothing to do with their own curiosity or rebellion; it is merely a tool for finding a place in their social circles.

Young adults use marijuana because of its accessibility, and the notion that it is far safer than alcohol or harder drugs. Unfortunately, one puff often leads to more, and the long-term effects can start taking place much sooner than expected.

If you suspect your child of marijuana use, consider educating them about the dangers of using drugs. By providing them with sound information, they will be able to make more informed decisions about their choices.

Loved One Has an Addiction

When A Loved One Has an Addiction

In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences an addiction. Even though we never imagine it happening to anyone we know, the statistics show that you likely know someone who is currently experiencing or who has previously had problems with addiction.

When addiction hits closer to home, it can be extremely hard to understand why and how a loved one has become addicted to a particular substance. In many cases, family members and friends deny a loved one’s problem, or do not find effective ways to be of help.

When a loved one has an addiction, it is important to be as informed as possible about the situation. Education is key to understanding how addiction happens, why it is hard to control and how loved ones can be of assistance. Supportive friends and family can have a much greater impact than even they are aware of.

Characteristics of Addiction

Addiction is a very powerful thing; once addiction takes over, individuals will struggle to or be unable to quit even if they wanted to.

When addiction begins, an addict will continue to ingest a substance regardless of the harm it is doing to their health, finances, relationships and lifestyle. This is usually because the functions and structure of the brain have already been compromised, and the brain has begun to tell the body it needs the substance.

When a loved one has an addiction, it is important to remember that they cannot simply quit their addiction cold turkey. The best response in this kind of situation is to offer full support and encouragement of their sobriety in whatever way works best for them.

How Addiction Develops

When we ingest substances, dopamine begins to fill our “pleasure centers” in the brain. As feel-good chemicals from drugs or alcohol begin to blend with the neurotransmitter glutamate, they begin to take over some of the brain’s processes that are related with reward.

As these systems are flooded with dopamine, the nerve cells in the pleasure center begin to associate the pleasure felt from taking a drug with wanting more of it. The brain begins to tell the body to actively seek out the drug, and this is when addiction begins.

Dependence vs. Withdrawal

Dependence and withdrawal are usually used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. While addiction makes the brain crave more of a substance, dependence sees the brain function at a better level when it’s working on drugs versus when it’s not.

Withdrawal symptoms will begin when the body is not getting the substance that the brain craves. The brain will tell the body that it cannot function properly without ingesting the substance.

Treating Addiction

When a loved one has an addiction, it is not always easy for them to recognize that they have any kind of problem. It is often the case that family members and friends will need to bring the issue to their attention; this kind of notion creates different reactions from every addict.

Addiction can be treated with a variety of tools and approaches, and rehabilitation centers can offer helpful counseling and therapy sessions for both the addict and their loved ones. The length of treatment often reflects the severity of one’s addiction, and treatment doesn’t necessarily work perfectly right away.


When a loved one has an addiction, understanding what is happening is the first step to fighting it. There are many assumptions about addiction that simply are not true; gathering the right knowledge is key to being as helpful as possible.