FAQs
What are your office hours?
Are you the same type of service as a detox centre?
Is there a cost for any of the services?
Is the service I will receive confidential?
Can I bring someone to my appointment with me?
What if someone does not want services (i.e. my child)…is there a way to force them?
Do I need a referral to attend for an assessment/counselling?
I want to go to residential treatment (rehab). What steps must I take?
How long are the appointments?
Can I have a letter for my lawyer, court, Probation Officer, etc.?
Can you speak to my Probation Officer, Children's Aid Society (CAS), parents, spouse etc.?
What is the difference between detox/withdrawal management and residential treatment?
What is a Concurrent Disorder?
What is addiction?
Is there a counsellor I can see at all the high schools in Muskoka and Parry Sound Districts?
What can I do when someone I love is abusing substances?
How long can I receive support within the Addiction Supportive Housing (ASH) Program?
How much of a subsidy will I receive in the ASH Program?
Can I have someone live with me in the ASH Program?
What is the purpose of group sessions?
Do I have to stop gambling or using alcohol or drugs?
If I am attending a self-help group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), do I need your service?
Q: What are your office hours?
A: Our offices are open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and we are closed on Statutory Holidays. Some of our group offerings extend into the evening.
Q: Are you the same type of service as a detox centre?
A: No, our service is not meant to deal with crises or 24-hour care. If you require immediate assistance, please contact your nearest withdrawal management centre at either: North Bay: (705) 476-6240 or Barrie: 705-728-4226
Q: Is there a cost for any of the services?
A: No, the service is free. Funding is provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network and the Ministry of Community and Social Services/Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
Q: Is the service I will receive confidential?
A: Yes, we respect your right to confidentiality. A counsellor will explain our confidentiality policies to you during your first appointment, including its limits.
Q: Can I bring someone to my appointment with me?
A: Yes, you may bring anyone you like with you, as long as you are comfortable with having them with you in your counselling session and your counsellor agrees to having them present.
Q: What if someone does not want services (i.e. my child)…is there a way to force them?
A: No, our service is provided to individuals who attend willingly. We may suggest the person concerned come in to speak with a counsellor to get some ideas on how they may approach the issue.
Q: Do I need a referral to attend for an assessment/counselling?
A: No referral is required. Self-referrals are welcome.
Q: I want to go to residential treatment (rehab). What steps must I take?
A: Most treatment programs require that you have an “assessment” done before you can apply to enter their program. Our agency can do a provincially standardized “assessment” for you at no cost. The outcome of this assessment provides the basis for linking clients to the most appropriate level of service to meet their treatment needs. In the event that the assessment indicates that a person would benefit from a residential treatment program Addiction Outreach Muskoka Parry Sound will make that referral, support the individual while they wait for admission and arrange for aftercare upon completion of the residential treatment program.
Q: How long are the appointments?
A: Each appointment is approximately one hour in length but varies, based on the needs of each client.
Q: Can I have a letter for my lawyer, court, Probation Officer, etc.?
A: Yes, we can provide you with a letter at your request. However, you must notify your counsellor well in advance that you are requesting a letter and whom it will be addressed to.
Q: Can you speak to my Probation Officer, Children's Aid Society (CAS), parents, spouse etc.?
A: In order for our agency to speak with anyone we must have your written permission through a signed release of information. It is important that you notify your addiction counsellor if there is anyone that will require information from our agency so that a release of information can be completed. We will help you make an informed decision about what information you would like disclosed.
Q: What is the difference between detox/withdrawal management and residential treatment?
A: Withdrawal management services offer a supportive and motivational environment where clients can safely withdraw from substances. Medical and non-medical withdrawal management services are available in Ontario. Services are available to both men and women age 16 and over. During the withdrawal process, front-line staff provides support, reassurance and motivational counselling. Discharge planning is available and provides an opportunity to learn about treatment options, ask questions and discuss referrals. Withdrawal management services often have beds available and therefore clients are not put on a waitlist.
Residential treatment offers a structured, scheduled program of treatment and/or rehabilitation activities, provided while the client resides in-house, to assist clients to develop and practice the skills to manage substance use and related problems. In addition to the scheduled program activities, clients have 24-hour access to support. Residential treatment programs vary in length from 21 days up 12 months. On average, clients can access a residential treatment admission in 4-6 weeks.
Q: What is a Concurrent Disorder?
A: Concurrent Disorders (CD) generally describes a situation in which a person experiences a psychiatric disorder and either a substance use disorder and/or a gambling disorder. Addiction Outreach offers CD groups as well as individual CD counselling.
Q: What is addiction?
A: Addiction has been defined as physical and psychological dependence on psychoactive substances (for example alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drugs). Addiction can also be viewed as a continued involvement with a substance or activity despite the negative consequences associated with it. People who are addicted experience tolerance (need increasing amounts of the substance/activity to produce the same effect), and withdrawal when not using the substance or engaging in the activity.
Q: Is there a counsellor I can see at all the high schools in Muskoka and Parry Sound Districts?
A: Yes, as an agency we do our best to fulfill the needs of the education system in both our Districts. We are also available to the elementary schools by request and need.
Q: What can I do when someone I love is abusing substances?
A: You are not responsible for the person becoming dependent on drugs/alcohol or gambling, nor can you make the person stop. What you can do is change how you are dealing with the situation. You can start your own recovery process whether the person you are concerned about is prepared to change or not. Educating the family member about substance use and how it affects the family dynamics is important. Additionally, family members would be encouraged to seek assistance by attending individual/group counselling and Al-Anon.
Q: How long can I receive support within the Addiction Supportive Housing (ASH) Program?
A: A treatment plan will be developed with an Intensive Case Manager to determine your needs and goals. There is no termination date from the ASH Program until a client feels they are able to sustain safe, affordable housing without any further substance use barriers and/or there is mutual agreement on discharge from the Program. However, at the time of screening, all requirements and eligibility criteria will be explained and it is expected all clients of the service will adhere to the guidelines.
Q: How much of a subsidy will I receive in the ASH Program?
A: The amount of subsidy you will receive will depend on your source of income. If you receive Ontario Works or Ontario Disabilities Support Program (ODSP) benefits, there is a pre-calculated shelter allowance. The ASH Program will pay the outstanding rent amount after the shelter allowance is paid. If you were to receive income through employment, then you would be responsible for paying 30% of your monthly income towards rent.
Q: Can I have someone live with me in the ASH Program?
A: It will be determined during your initial screening interview if you have a spouse/partner or any children that will be sharing accommodation. The ASH Program will not support friends or acquaintances living in your unit. There is a guest policy that will be introduced to you on acceptance into the program.
Q: What is the purpose of group sessions?
A: There are different groups that are offered at Addiction Outreach Muskoka Parry Sound. Clients are referred into groups by our addiction counsellors. The groups range from educational to support groups, facilitated by our staff. All group referrals will be made based on individual interest and ability to participate in this type of treatment option. All groups are confidential and it is required that each individual follows our confidentiality agreement.
Q: Do I have to stop gambling or using alcohol or drugs?
A: While some people who come to us have already made this decision, the choice is up to you. We can help you examine whether stopping altogether is the best strategy for you or whether reducing your use may be an option. If you choose to reduce your use, we help you set measurable goal(s) so that you can monitor how you are doing.
Q: If I am attending a self-help group, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), do I need your service?
A: Self-help groups can be a great source of support. Many of our clients attend AA, NA or Al-Anon. An equal number of clients also choose not to attend such groups. Professional counselling can complement what these groups offer. Although we encourage attendance at self-help meetings the choice is up to you.