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.

Medication costs may be covered by:

• Ontario Drug Benefits (ODB) — for eligible Ontario residents
• 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

Our pharmacy staff can help you navigate all available payment and coverage options.

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 eliminating withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Please bring the following to your initial assessment:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, 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.

Both treat opioid addiction, but they work differently:

• Methadone is a full opioid agonist (no ceiling effect), taken daily at a pharmacy. It doesn't require withdrawal before starting and takes 2–4 weeks to stabilize.
• Suboxone® (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a partial agonist with a "ceiling effect" that makes it significantly safer from overdose. You must be in mild withdrawal before your first dose. Most patients stabilize within 1 week.

Our physician will recommend the most appropriate option based on your specific situation. Kadian® is also available as a second-line option for severe cases.

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, you can switch medications under physician supervision using established clinical protocols. Switching from methadone to Suboxone® requires a careful tapering process. Our physicians are experienced in managing these transitions safely and effectively.

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.

Methadone: If you miss more than 3 consecutive days, your tolerance may have decreased significantly. Do not take your usual dose — contact us or your pharmacy immediately, as dose adjustments may be necessary for safety.

Suboxone®: Missing a dose is less dangerous than with methadone, but you should take your dose as soon as you remember. Never double-dose. If you've missed several days, contact our clinic for guidance before resuming.