Frequently asked questions

Absolutely. All patient information is protected under PIPEDA and provincial privacy laws. We cannot release your information without your written consent or a court order. Your employer, family members, or anyone else cannot be informed of your treatment without your explicit permission. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our practice.

Clinic visits with our physician are fully covered by OHIP — there is no out-of-pocket cost for your appointments.

Your medication is billed by the pharmacy you choose. It may be covered by:

• Ontario Drug Benefits (ODB) — for eligible Ontario residents
• OHIP+ — for people 24 and under who do not have a private plan
• Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) — for First Nations and Inuit patients
• Trillium Drug Program — for those with high medication costs relative to income
• Private insurance — many employer benefit plans cover addiction medications

Your pharmacist can help you check what your plan covers. Our guide to OHIP coverage has more detail.

Yes — our treatment programs are specifically designed to allow you to maintain your daily responsibilities. You'll attend scheduled appointments but can continue with work, school, and family commitments. Many patients find that treatment actually improves their ability to fulfill these roles by preventing withdrawal and reducing cravings.

Please bring the following to your initial assessment:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's licence, passport, etc.)
• Your Ontario Health Card (OHIP card)
• List of any current medications you are taking
• Any relevant medical records if available (not required)

If you don't have an OHIP card, contact Service Ontario or call us — we can help explore options.

With your consent, yes — family members or support persons are welcome to join appointments. However, due to confidentiality, they cannot be informed of your treatment status without your explicit written consent. We also offer guidance for family members on how to best support their loved ones through addiction treatment.

Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) is an evidence-based medical treatment for opioid use disorder. It uses a long-acting medication, prescribed and monitored by a physician, that prevents withdrawal and reduces cravings.

• First-line options are usually tried first. Your physician will explain how each one works, how it is started and how often you will need to be seen.
• A second-line option may be considered if first-line treatment has not worked well for you.

Your physician will recommend the option that fits your health, history and goals, and you decide together. Read more about choosing an opioid treatment plan.

Treatment duration varies significantly for each individual. Some patients may be in treatment for one to two years, while others may require longer-term or even indefinite support. Research shows that longer treatment duration is associated with better outcomes. Our goal is to provide the care you need for as long as you need it to achieve sustainable recovery — without pressure or judgment.

We follow a harm reduction approach, which means you will not be asked to leave the program if you continue to use. Recovery is often a gradual process. Our goal is to meet you where you are and support your progress, understanding that setbacks are a normal part of recovery — not failures. We'll work together to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Yes. If you're not satisfied with your current treatment or experiencing significant side effects, your physician can talk with you about switching to another option. Some switches need a careful, gradual change in dose, so they are always planned and supervised by your physician using established clinical protocols.

Yes, we accept transfers from other addiction treatment clinics. Please contact us to discuss your situation. You'll typically need to provide documentation of your current treatment, dose, and history. Transfers are assessed on a case-by-case basis by our physicians. Call 647-748-1337 for more information about transferring your care, or read how a transfer works.

Missing doses can lower your tolerance quickly, so your usual dose may no longer be safe after a gap.

Never double up to make up for a missed dose. If you have missed doses, especially several days in a row, contact the clinic or speak with your pharmacist before you take your next dose. Your physician may need to adjust your dose for your safety.