Directed to: The Government of Ontario

Addiction treatments in Ontario are incredibly expensive, creating barriers and making them inaccessible for those who need them. Publicly funded treatment centres may have lower or no costs, but that also means there is higher demand, potentially creating extremely long wait times, while private treatment centres can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $30,000 per person per month. Both wait times and costs could mean life or death for some people, making this a matter that needs urgent attention.

Government-funded treatment centres have an estimated wait time of 14 to 60 days, which is too long for individuals in crisis. Simply accessing medical detox privately can cost a person $1,000 to $1,500, an amount the average person does not have access to, particularly if detox is needed more than once. After a medical detox, residential treatment is often critical in maintaining recovery. In Ontario, recent documentation reveals rates up to $60,000 for 30 days. High treatment costs not only severely impact the accessibility of the services, but it also causes loss of hope and motivation to seek help.

In addition to cost and wait times, government-funded treatment is constrained by budgetary limits, which restrict the level of care patients receive. Government-level treatment lacks the customized approach offered by private programs, which could drastically impact recovery rates. Given that substance abuse is a growing public health crisis, should an appropriate life-saving level of treatment not be offered to all struggling? Why is addiction treatment not covered by the government at an appropriate level?

We are calling on the Government of Ontario to increase funding for private addiction treatments in the province in order to reduce the costs of treatment centers, including detox and rehabilitation centres. By lowering the cost of treatments, they become more accessible for those looking to utilize the services, and will save numerous lives. Removing the barrier of a multi-thousand-dollar treatment bill could also improve the general well-being of those who could afford it in the first place, because there would be less stress about how to afford life beyond treatment.

Asking for help is one of the hardest things someone can do. Help us make it easier.

Sources:

Fletcher, S. (2023, October 12). How Much Does Drug and Alcohol Rehab Cost in Ontario, Canada? Canadian Centre for Addictions. https://canadiancentreforaddictions.org/how-much-does-drug-and-alcohol-rehab-cost-in-ontario-canada/ 

Kharlip, A. (2024, January 1). How Much Does Rehab Cost in Ontario? Addiction Rehab Toronto. https://addictionrehabtoronto.ca/how-much-does-rehab-cost-in-ontario/

Sandhu, M. (2021, May 13). How Much Does Alcohol or Drug Rehab Cost in Ontario? Freedom From Addiction. https://www.freedomaddiction.ca/blog/how-much-does-rehab-cost-ontario/ 

Photo Credit: Mary Long

Long, M. (2024). [Psychologist frees man from cage. Healing anxiety, depression, addiction by accepting reality. PTSD therapy and psychiatric help for males. Open mind and self-awareness concept. Vector illustration]. IStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/psychologist-frees-man-from-cage-healing-anxiety-depression-addiction-by-accepting-gm2171180020-591058305