When it comes to fighting the Opioid Crisis, Canada seems to be fighting a strong battle against these dangerous painkillers, despite the recent trend of dangerous situations (e.g. neonatal abstinence syndrome, youth suicide) taking place across its provinces. Nevertheless, when you consider the severity of the crisis, you can imagine that hundreds of thousands of people will be enrolling in rehabilitation therapy every day. So, how are they supposed to afford to stay in these residential programs (which can sometimes cost a lot of money)? For addicts nowadays, though, the answer may arrive in the form of funding provided by the federal government and the provincial government of the Northwest Territories. Let’s take a closer look and see what they are planning.
Funding Programs for Addiction Treatment
On Tuesday, January 22, 2019, Northwest Territories MP Michael McLeod and Glen Abernethy (the territorial health minister) announced that both the provincial and federal governments would be teaming up to addiction treatment programs for opioid addicts. As part of the deal, the Canadian federal government will be providing $500,000 from the Emergency Treatment Fund, while the N.W.T. government will spend an additional $250,000 in this joint-effort.
According to Dr. Jennifer Harris (an addictions doctor in the N.W.T.), the money will fund a variety of initiatives, including donations to the opioid maintenance therapy program. At this time, the opioid program is only provided by the Yellowknife Primary Care Center. However, as Harris point out, the government funding will expand this program into other areas of the province (and beyond).
No Addiction Treatment Centers
Although many people are pushing for the establishment of an addiction treatment facility in the Territories, the government has explained how this plan is not in the works at this time. As Minister Abernethy pointed out, treatment centers aren’t always the solution for some patients. In fact, more victims have taken part in on-the-land programs versus residential centers, which did not meet the demands of N.W.T. addicts.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioids are extremely potent and dangerous drugs that have a high risk for abuse and addiction. If you are ever instructed to take these medications, proceed with caution. Follow the instructions to the letter and never take more than the required dose. Even the slightest error can trigger one of the most severe forms of drug abuse or addiction imaginable.
If you are suffering from a severe case of opioid use disorder or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from these deadly painkillers.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your attachment to opioids and take an essential step against the Opioid Crisis.
