Meeting with a counsellor
Counselling is a positive step towards overcoming problematic substance use. Licensed therapists can provide one-on-one help and give concrete advice and practical tips towards change. Counselling is also beneficial for individuals with a brain injury who are learning to cope with the changes in their lives.
Help groups
Many cities have local help groups for substance use. These groups are designed to offer a supportive environment for people with living experience of substance use. Local healthcare professionals should be able to provide more information about support in a specific area and whether they can support specific needs post-injury.
There are also many brain injury associations across Canada that offer programs and resources specific to the area.
Residential rehabilitation
For those who need a different environment, residential rehabilitation centres are available. There are both private and public addiction centres in Canada. While public centres are free, they have long wait times. Private centres involve out-of-pocket expenses.
Please remember: not every centre will be equipped to meet the needs of a person with problematic substance use and brain injury. It’s important to work with a medical team to find the best course of treatment.
Supervised consumption sites
Problematic drug use is a complex issue with no easy solution. Many people struggle to stop. This is where supervised consumption sites can be useful. They are a place for people looking to stop or reduce their drug use, and research shows they are effective at improving health and saving lives.
Along with offering a safe place for consumption, many supervised consumption sites have screening services to catch potential contaminants, access to emergency services, testing for diseases/infections, and referrals/information on treatment (Source: Government of Canada).
Resources
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accessibility of any resources not located on our website.There are no quick and easy answers to substance use problems, but there are resources for individuals looking for help.
- From Canada.ca: a complete list of substance use support services available by province/territory.
- Learn about opioids and health risks from Canada.ca
- Awareness resources about opioids from the Government of Canada
- How to discuss substance use – a guide by Canada.ca
- The Acquired Brain Injury Partnership Project has an informative video on substance use and brain injury.
- Addiction – An Information Guide provided by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for people with substance use problems and their families/friends.
- Find a branch of the Canada Mental Health Association
- HelpGuide.org’s practical tips for overcoming addiction
- The Substance Use and Brain Injury Project
Disclaimer: There is no shortage of web-based online medical diagnostic tools, self-help or support groups, or sites that make unsubstantiated claims around diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Please note these sources may not be evidence-based, regulated or moderated properly and it is encouraged individuals seek advice and recommendations regarding diagnosis, treatment and symptom management from a regulated healthcare professional such as a physician or nurse practitioner. Individuals should be cautioned about sites that make any of the following statements or claims that:
- The product or service promises a quick fix
- Sound too good to be true
- Are dramatic or sweeping and are not supported by reputable medical and scientific organizations.
- Use of terminology such as “research is currently underway” or “preliminary research results” which indicate there is no current research.
- The results or recommendations of product or treatment are based on a single or small number of case studies and has not been peer-reviewed by external experts
- Use of testimonials from celebrities or previous clients/patients that are anecdotal and not evidence-based
Always proceed with caution and with the advice of your medical team.
