Referral to Care
Treatment can be complicated because there may be a range of psychological and physical effects that all need to be addressed, and no single treatment fits everyone. It can be overwhelming if an individual needs multiple health care practitioners (counselling, Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinic, psychologists, methadone clinics, groups, doctors/psychiatrists, etc.).
No one factor can predict if a person will develop a substance use disorder. A combination of factors can contribute to this disorder, including biological (genetic predisposition, biochemical ethnicity, development), psychological (trauma, psychiatric/mental health, self-esteem), spiritual, and social (family, relationships, societal influences).
Managing acute withdrawal is a key element of care. Treatment failures can stem from a lack of readiness, tools, or support (personal and community) and being referred to a program that does not fit their needs. Not having the basics, such as stable housing, can significantly contribute. Like all chronic health conditions, treatment is complex and often changing.
