15 Mar 8 Top-Rated Addiction Services Edmonton [2022 Edition]
Addiction services and treatment centers are an important part of helping those who’ve become dependent on drugs get clean and preventing them from relapse or overdose.
A report based on 2014-15 by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and the Canadian Institute for Health Information records Alberta as having the third-highest rate of opioid poisonings in the country (after Saskatchewan at number one, and British Columbia in second).
According to a report updated this February by the Alberta substance use surveillance system, Edmonton has seen a troubling rise in drug-related deaths between 2016 and 2021, with a particular rise in 2020 and 2021. The rate of death per 100,000 in July went from 23.7 in 2016 to 72.9 in 2020 and 76.4 in 2021 (the highest rates per month listed).
Emergency department visits and hospitalizations stayed comparatively more consistent, with rates per 100,000 across emergency department rates remaining between 1,000 and 1,700 and hospitalizations rates remaining between 400 and 600.
With the help of some of the addiction services Edmonton offers, hopefully, some of these rates and numbers can decrease for reports made in the future.
Although within Edmonton addiction services and resources are aplenty, it can be hard to know where to look. The below information should help guide you through what addiction services Edmonton offers, and what sorts of treatments and centers will be right for you or your loved one.
Types of Edmonton Addiction Services
There are a wide array of different types of addiction treatment services and centers throughout Edmonton. If you or a loved one is looking into addiction services Edmonton has, you’ll want to make sure you find the right fit for your (or your loved one’s) needs.
Rehab Centres Edmonton
The definition of rehabilitating is to restore something or someone. This is the same goal for rehab, or rehabilitation, for addiction – to bring the addicted person back to health, mentally and physically, so he/she can function normally and healthily in his/her everyday life. Rehab comprises the programs and plan someone uses to get sober.
Treatment centers can be either government-funded or private. As outlined in the Drug Addiction Treatment in Canada – Guide & Resources, government-funded (or public) programs typically offer cheaper, or even free, programs. However, there are limits to what the programs offer. Private treatment centers come at a much higher cost, but the quality of the programs is typically higher too.
Treatment can be either inpatient or outpatient. With either choice, addiction treatment centers will typically offer a variety of different types of counselling, including group, individual, or family, as outlined by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Inpatient Rehab Edmonton
Inpatient treatment (also referred to as residential treatment) is when the addicted person lives in the center for the duration of his/her stay, which can vary in length depending on the program. The typical length of treatment is about a 30-day stay but some programs can offer up to a longer 90-day stay as well. Inpatient rehab is typically used for more severe cases of addiction, or in cases where the addicted person doesn’t have a safe place to go, as addressed in the Complete Guide on Where and How to Get Help for Addiction.
Outpatient Rehab Edmonton
Outpatient treatment is when the addicted person lives at home but still comes to the center to receive treatment. As mentioned in the Complete Guide, this type of treatment is used for less severe cases of addiction, where the addicted person is able to function in his/her day-to-day life and may have responsibilities to maintain at work or in the home.
Detox Centers in Edmonton
Detox is the process of the body naturally ridding itself of harmful substances, i.e. drugs. The detoxification process can be quite intense and potentially harmful, as addicted persons can go through withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, it’s recommended users go through detoxification at a detox center. These centers will have medical professionals and staff on hand to ensure the addicted person’s safety.
Sober Living Houses Edmonton
As described in A Practical Guide to Sober Living in Canada, a sober living house provides addicted people a completely drug and alcohol-free, structured household to aid in recovery. These facilities are typically staffed with healthcare professionals that supervise the residents and provide them with various forms of therapy or counselling. Residents of sober living houses can have varying degrees of severity or dependency on their addictions.
Pros and Cons of Each Type of Addiction Services Edmonton
The selection process of choosing which of the many addiction services Edmonton has is right for you or a loved one struggling with substance dependency can be difficult. To make that process easier, it can be helpful to review the pros and cons of each type.
Pros and Cons of Edmonton Rehab
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol dependency and are looking to get clean, rehab can seem like the obvious choice. However, there are a number of considerations to take into account before you decide the best course of action. How severe is the addiction? Are you able to make the time commitment? Are you or a loved one ready for rehab, or are there steps you should be taking first (i.e. an intervention, AA meetings, doctor assessment, etc).
Typically, an addicted person who opts out of any kind of rehab or professional help to get clean will be less successful. Rehab, or some form of treatment, is typically a person’s best chance for recovery, even if the addiction is not severe (as seen in this 2007 study on alcoholism).
Pros and Cons of Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab Edmonton
When it comes to rehab, the choice is really between either inpatient or outpatient treatment. And there are pros and cons to consider for both.
For instance, inpatient treatment provides a safe space and community where the one struggling with addiction will be surrounded by professionals and 24/7 service. However, the patient will be away from home for the duration of his/her stay.
Outpatient treatment, on the other hand, allows the patient to continue living his/her life and keeping up with his/her responsibilities. The treatment plan will be based on the patient’s schedule.
But the patient won’t have access to services 24/7 this way.
However, there are other things to consider, as well. Some other considerations have been outlined in the table below.
| Inpatient | Outpatient |
| Gives residents a place to stay and structured, 24/7 treatment for the duration of the treatment | Is not so intensive a time commitment, allows the patient to continue with his/her life and responsibilities (work, childcare, etc) |
| Treatment is the major focus/priority of the patient during the stay | Patient can begin applying what he/she learns to his/her life as it’s learned |
| Often living with other patients who share similar struggles | Still option to see other patients and able to maintain better contact with own social circle |
| Typically provides a wide array of programs and counseling | Typically provides a wide array of programs and counseling |
Pros and Cons of Edmonton Detox Centers
The pros of Edmonton detox centers:
- Allow the harmful substance or drug to leave the body’s system
- It’s done in a safe place surrounded by professionals who can help ensure the safety of the patient
- Manage withdrawal symptoms
- A plan can be created to safely taper the intoxicated person off the harmful substance
- The cons of Edmonton detox centers:
- As mentioned in The Pros and Cons of Different Treatment Options, detox doesn’t treat or address the actual addiction the way rehab does and shouldn’t be the sole treatment
Pros and Cons of Sober Living Houses Edmonton
Although sober living houses Edmonton host have some similarities to inpatient living, there can be more freedom associated with it as well. However, there are some limiting factors, too. Both are explored in A Practical Guide to Sober Living in Canada.
Some of these pros involve:
- More freedom to come and go than in inpatient treatment
- Residents can live in government-funded sober living houses free of cost
- Private sober living houses can offer more customization to individuals
Cons:
- Private sober living houses can be very expensive
- Government-funded sober living houses may lack customization
- According to the Canadian Centre for Addictions, sober living houses are able to evict residents whenever and whyever.
Addiction Services Edmonton Selection Criteria
None of the addiction services Edmonton offers will be a one-size-fits-all solution. Different services and treatment plans are better suited, or even targeted for, different people. Different treatment programs and plans will have differing criteria for those who can join.
Space
A simple criteria treatment centers will take into consideration is whether or not they have the space for another person. Any of the addiction services Edmonton hosts will have a certain amount of space available, particularly if they have residents – these places only have a limited number of beds after all.
Age
Some treatment programs are targeted towards adults, while others target youth. It’s important to know if the services you’re looking for are catered towards your age group when you’re looking into treatment centers.
Gender
There are treatment programs that cater to a specific gender, for those who feel they would thrive best in that sort of treatment. If that’s not something you’re worried about or not something you wish for, there are programs that are open to all genders, as well.
Type of Addiction
Addiction to certain substances may have programs tailored specifically for that addiction. For instance, AA meetings are a well-known example of treatment for those who struggle with alcohol addiction. If you wish to be with a group of people who struggle with the same addiction as you do, this criterion can be something to investigate.
Top 8 Addiction Services in Edmonton
The following services were selected based on some of the top-rated treatment centers found using Google reviews.
Addiction Recovery Centre (ARC)
The Addiction Recovery Centre (ARC) offers detoxification and treatment planning services for those 17+. Some of those services include, according to the website:
- Assessments
- Referrals
- Introductions to self-help groups
ARC is open 24/7, but only allows walk-in appointments between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Jellinek Society
Jellinek Society is a non-profit for men in the early stages of their recovery, post-treatment, as a way to help them transition back to their lives. This 17-bed treatment center is available for men 18 and older who have been sober for at least 30 days, are engaged in a 12-step program, have completed inpatient treatment within 5 years of enrolling, and are or are able to be employed or enrolled in school.
Edmonton Alano Club
The Edmonton Alano Club is a non-profit that hosts a variety of recovery groups, meetings, and programs in Edmonton. Although meetings happen at scheduled hours, the club is open every day of the year, including holidays, and features a club lounge and resource library as well as meeting spaces. You don’t have to be a club member to attend meetings.
Sunshine Coast Health Centre
Sunshine Coast Health Centre’s Edmonton location focuses on outpatient services for those (and their families) who have already been through treatment. This allows treatment alumni to have continued access to resources and like-minded communities and individuals to help ensure and support their continued sobriety and recovery.
Addiction Services Edmonton
Addiction Services Edmonton houses two programs, one being the Edmonton Opioid Dependency Program (ODP), and the other being outpatient counselling services for adults.
The ODP has treatment centers across Alberta, including one in Edmonton. It offers an outpatient program where, among other services, those addicted to opioids are provided with methadone or Suboxone® so they can function in their everyday lives without drowsiness or withdrawal symptoms. The center is open between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday, with patients being either referred or assessed in a walk-in appointment.
The outpatient counselling services are for adults struggling with addiction or mental health issues but are still able to function in everyday life and don’t need to be admitted to an inpatient program. According to its page, some of the outpatient counselling services offered are:
- Therapy (either individual or in a group)
- Psychiatric consultations
- Referrals
The outpatient counselling services are available 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday, however, walk-ins are only accepted at certain times.
Our House Addiction Recovery Centre
Our House Addiction Recovery Centre is a long-term inpatient addiction treatment center that offers year-long recovery programs for men 18+. This treatment center offers a variety of programs including ones with modules for patients to develop strategies for recovery, counselling, and community outreach.
Henwood Rehab Edmonton
Henwood Treatment Centre is an inpatient rehabilitation centre that specializes in treating drug and alcohol abuse. This treatment center offers programs for adults, men, women, young adults, and LGBTQ people. Treatment is individualized, meaning that it will be based around the patient as a person, considering lifestyle, background, age, religious beliefs, etc. Individual and group therapy, and life skills training are also available.
Andy Bhatti Intervention Services
Andy Bhatti Interventions and Addiction Services offer counselling and intervention services to help lead those addicted to drugs, alcohol, or other harmful substances down the road of recovery. Andy Bhatti Intervention and Addiction Services can help direct those addicted to finding the treatment center that’s the right fit for them.
FAQ
How do you access any of the addiction services Edmonton offers?
It depends on the service. Some require a referral or an application. Others can be accessed through walk-in appointments and assessments. Others still are merely a phone call away. You will have to research the treatment center you are interested in to find out the criteria and process for being admitted. If you still aren’t sure, reach out to the treatment center. If you’re unsure which service is right for you, speak with your doctor or an addictions services professional, like Andy Bhatti.
Is it easy to find rehab centers in Edmonton?
Yes! All the rehab centers mentioned above offer services in Edmonton. There are a variety of others as well. Canada Drug Rehab is a directory you can use to help find the right treatment center for you.
Is there a free rehab in Edmonton?
Some forms of rehab may be free or covered by insurance, particularly if it’s government-funded. There will probably be some limits to the care provided, though. However, depending on your needs and the treatment programs you are looking into, private rehab centers can offer more specialization, although they can get quite expensive.
Do I have to use addiction services Edmonton has if I’m in Edmonton?
No, if you wish to get out of the city, and you have the means of getting there, you can access treatment outside of Edmonton. And of course, if you’re not in Edmonton, you don’t need to go there for treatment. There are excellent treatment centers all across Canada, like Cedars at Cobble Hill, a treatment center in British Columbia that focuses on individualized care.
However, you will have to research any limiting factors. For instance, if you plan on using your insurance to cover costs, you will have to see what its limitations are.
Conclusion
If you or someone you love is struggling with drug addiction, Edmonton offers a variety of quality services to help lead you or your loved one to recovery.
Now that you’ve learned all about these services, take the first step in recovery and contact Andy Bhatti to discuss the next steps, like intervention or treatment plans.