Substance Use Service Clinic

See an Ontario Doctor for Substance Use for Free

Same Day Appointments Available*

*Subject to Availability

We Offer Substance Use Treatment and Advice for a Wide Range of Substance Use Concerns

Smoking

Alcohol

Cocaine

Opioids

Cannabis

Benzodiazepines

Methamphetamine

Many More

Our Services Include:

Rocket Doctor’s Substance Use Service is dedicated to providing support, resource, and advice to individuals struggling with substance use. Our service is tailored to give individuals the freedom to seek help in a safe, secure and confidential environment. If you or someone you know is dealing with substance use issues, we are here to help.

Prescription medications are an important option to consider in the treatment of substance use disorders, with a growing body of evidence to suggest that they can be beneficial in reducing substance use and improving quality of life. In particular, certain medications have been shown to reduce craving, reduce the reinforcing effects of drugs and alcohol, and help with relapse prevention. For example, naltrexone and acamprosate have been shown to reduce cravings for and consumption of alcohol, while buprenorphine and methadone are commonly used to treat opioid use disorders.
Withdrawal management is an important part of the process of managing substance use. It involves the identification, evaluation, and treatment of individuals who have become physically dependent on a substance. The goal of withdrawal management is to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and to prevent complications that may arise during the detoxification process. During this process, individuals may experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, including tremors, agitation, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia. The severity of the symptoms can range from mild to severe, and the duration of the withdrawal process can vary depending on the type of substance used and the individual’s history of use. To reduce the intensity and frequency of the symptoms, it is important to provide adequate medical support.
It is important to recognize that substance use is a widely practiced behavior that comes with potential risks, and that education and information are paramount in helping people make informed decisions regarding their own use. By providing education, we are not encouraging substance use, rather we are empowering individuals to make more informed choices about their own behavior. Through education, we strive to help people understand the potential risks and consequences of engaging in substance use and to equip them with the necessary skills to make decisions that are in their best interest. The goal is to provide people with the tools to make decisions that are based on accurate, up-to-date information and to support them in their efforts to engage in safe and healthful behaviors.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a technique used to help and support individuals through their journey of substance use. This approach is based on the principles of client-centered therapy, whereby the client is the center of their own change process, and the therapist is a facilitator of the client’s own goals and aspirations. MI is a process of identifying and strengthening a person’s intrinsic motivations to make changes in their behaviors, and ultimately, in their lives. In providing MI online, Rocket Doctor offers a safe and comfortable environment for clients across Ontario to work on their own recovery journey. This environment allows the client to engage in a supportive, non-judgmental dialogue with a professionally trained MI therapist, which can help them.
In Ontario, individuals struggling with substance use can access a wide range of social and community services which may help in mitigating the harm associated with substance use and substance misuse. These services can include, but are not limited to, referrals to counseling and behavioral therapy, access to peer-support groups, educational and vocational services, housing, and support for family members affected by the individual’s substance use. Furthermore, these services may extend beyond the scope of substance use, and may also include referrals for medical care, mental health services, and other social services. The purpose of these services is to provide a holistic and comprehensive approach to helping individuals struggling with substance use. By providing access to a wide range of services, individuals can begin to address the underlying issues associated with substance use.
Rocket Doctor, an online virtual clinic, has revolutionized the access to Naloxone kit prescription across Canada. Naloxone is a medication that has been used for decades to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, making it a crucial tool in the fight against the opioid crisis. As access to Naloxone has become increasingly important, Rocket Doctor has provided Canadians with a convenient, comprehensive, and cost-effective way to receive Naloxone kit prescription. With its virtual clinic, Rocket Doctor has created a platform that allows its users to access the necessary information and resources to understand the importance and proper use of Naloxone kits, as well as to receive the medication.
The practice of screening for infectious diseases due to substance use has become increasingly important in recent years due to the prevalence of substance abuse in Canada. Drug and alcohol abuse, in particular, are associated with a range of infectious diseases that can cause significant health issues. Rocket Doctor provides online screening for these diseases. It is an effective way of both detecting them early and providing preventative measures, treatment and support.
A person with a laptop on a video call for a substance use treatment online

Our physicians offer trauma-informed care and can help with substance use disorder diagnosis, drug and alcohol addiction, withdrawal management, and treatment discreetly from the comfort of home. 100% covered by OHIP.

 

All consultations are 100% confidential and free of charge for patients.

Routine and Urgent Care Appointments Available on Evenings and Weekends

Routine Care

  • Help and Advice
  • Referrals
  • Prescriptions and Renewals

Urgent Care

  • Withdrawal
  • Worrying about Relapse
  • Urgent Prescription Renewal

Rocket Doctor is not a crisis service. In an emergency, please phone ‘911’ or visit a hospital emergency department.

Why Use Rocket Doctor?

No-wait-time

Skip The Waiting Room.

Our Rapid Access Addictions Medicine Clinic does not require any referrals or appointments, allowing you to see a doctor the exact same day, when you need it the most.

get-heard

Manage Recovery Discreetly From The Comfort Of Home

Telehealth through Rocket Doctor is 100% discreet. Receive the care you need in the environment of your choice, via secure video platform. Your conversation with the doctor is totally confidential.

See A Doctor At A Time That’s Convenient For You

Walk in style visits allow for flexibility outside of regular doctor’s 9-5 office hours. We are open on evenings and weekends. Get in touch with our patient care team 24/7.

How it Works

Tell us about you

Click the 'See a doctor' button or give us a call to speak with a patient care coordinator who will assess your needs and send an intake form to be completed prior to your appointment. The intake form will ask questions about your substance use, lifestyle, and treatment goals to help the doctor identify how to best provide you care.

1 hour comprehensive assessment

Speak with a doctor for a custom treatment plan.

Follow-up visits

Attend as many follow-up visits as you need to get support with your treatment plan, address any question, and get help with symptoms of withdrawal if necessary.

Our model

A key objective of our program is to provide comprehensive and long-term care for people with substance use disorders or at risk of developing one. We expect our clinicians to manage, within a team setting, all aspects of addiction medicine, which includes supporting individuals struggling with alcohol, opioids, cannabis, stimulants, benzodiazepines, nicotine or prescription medicines.

Woman making an online doctor appointment

We are working hard to build a culture and system that breaks down many of the traditional barriers to accessing care when it is needed the most. Virtual care is an excellent option for those who cannot, or simply don’t want to visit a walk-in clinic.

 

We offer medical addiction care, which includes counselling, referrals to community services, pharmacotherapy (prescriptions to help ease withdrawal and cravings), and more

Dr Christopher Byrne

Dr. Christopher Byrne

Head of Addictions Medicine
Rocket Doctor

Addiction Medicine / Substance Use Program

Rocket Doctor's addiction medicine and substance use program emphasizes a comprehensive and low barrier approach to help individuals struggling with substance use. Our program is based online and you can access a physician from the comfort of your own home. By utilizing a combination of evidence-based therapies and real-time data-gathering, a physician is able to provide an individualized and targeted approach to treatment. The program is designed to help individuals understand their substance use, develop coping skills, and develop strategies for achieving and maintaining sobriety or reduced substance use. The program also offers a variety of resources and referrals, such as support groups, educational materials, and mental health professionals, to aid in the recovery process. Additionally, the program is designed to help users monitor their progress and stay motivated throughout the recovery process. Given the complexity of addiction and substance use.

Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone uses a substance, either regularly or intermittently, they can become physically dependent on the substance. This dependence can cause the individual to experience a range of withdrawal symptoms when they discontinue or significantly decrease their use of the substance. Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the type of substance used, the duration and dosage of use, and the individual's own biology. Common symptoms include physical discomfort such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue, as well as psychological symptoms such as dysphoria, anxiety, irritability, and depression. In some cases, more severe withdrawal symptoms can occur, including seizures, delirium, and even death in extreme cases. It is important to note that withdrawal symptoms can be prevented and managed through professional medical intervention.

Addiction treatment

Addiction treatment online has become an increasingly viable option for those struggling with substance use. It offers individuals the opportunity to receive treatment from the comfort of their own home, free from the judgment and stigma that can sometimes be found in inpatient treatment facilities. In addition, our virtual clinic’s treatment includes a range of services such as therapeutic support, education, and skills development. For those who require a more intensive level of care, Rocket Doctor's online addiction treatment may refer individuals to other services as a facility for in-person withdrawal management, and in some cases emergency care. This type of care offers individuals access to specialized interventions that can help to support their recovery journey. Furthermore, online addiction treatment can also provide a safe space for individuals to openly discuss their challenges with addiction and to receive support, help and advice across Ontario.

Substance use treatment

Substance use treatment is a form of therapeutic intervention which seeks to assist individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders in overcoming their addiction and achieving a healthy and productive lifestyle. This type of treatment involves a combination of counseling, psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes to help individuals address their substance use, manage cravings, and develop positive coping techniques. Rocket Doctor supports patience online via our virtual clinic. The treatment focuses on identifying and addressing underlying causes of addiction such as mental health issues, trauma, and environmental factors, while also helping individuals to develop a supportive and healthy network of friends and family.

Treatment plan

When discussing treatment plans for substance use and misuse, it is important to understand the underlying purpose of such plans. Treatment plan is designed to help individuals identify, reduce, and manage the use of substances and their related consequences. By utilizing evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and other therapeutic approaches, individuals can develop healthier coping skills and more effective ways of managing their substance use. Our virtual clinic treatment plan includes various services and referrals to services as individual and group counseling, educational programs, case management, and medication-assisted treatments. Through the use of these services, individuals can gain insight into the causes and consequences of their substance use and substance misuse and work on developing healthier habits.

Primary Care

Family Medicine for those who do not have a family doctor

We offer comprehensive care for individuals struggling with substance use. Our team of experienced medical professionals is trained to provide evidence-based treatment and support.

 

Our clinic offers a team-based approach to primary care and specialist services, with shifts available to support patients who do not have a local primary care provider. Our physicians will evaluate patients and develop personalized care plans that address all aspects of health that can contribute to or result from substance use.

 

Each member of our primary care team can provide the level of care virtually. This allows us to offer flexible, personalized support to meet the unique needs of each of our clients.

Woman having online consultation with a doctor for primary care
Online doctor psychotherapy in Ontario

Psychotherapy

Entirely covered by OHIP

Psychotherapy is a type of therapy that involves a therapeutic relationship between the client and physician. This relationship is based on trust, empathy, and the ability to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment. During therapy sessions, the physician will work with the client to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and help them develop new ways of thinking and behaving that can support them.

 

Our team of experienced professionals is trained to provide a range of evidence-based therapies that have been shown to be effective in treating substance use disorders and other mental health conditions. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and other approaches that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.

 

Through psychotherapy, clients can gain a better understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and learn how to manage them in a healthy and productive way. This can help them to manage addiction and other mental health conditions, and improve their lifestyle. If you or a loved one are in need of support, please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help.

Psychiatry

For support with concurrent mental health concerns

Psychiatry is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have specialized training in the evaluation and treatment of mental health conditions, including substance use disorders.

 

At Rocket Doctor, our team of experienced psychiatrists can provide a range of services to support individuals with substance use. This may include conducting thorough evaluations to determine the underlying causes of addiction and other mental health conditions, and developing personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each individual.

 

Through psychiatry, individuals with substance use can receive evidence-based treatment that is tailored to their specific needs. This may include medications to address underlying chemical imbalances in the brain, as well as therapy and other supportive services. By working with a psychiatrist, individuals can gain the tools and support they need to deal with their addiction.

doctor on laptop providing online psychiatry consultation in Ontario Canada
online doctor appointment for Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine

For support with complex medical concerns

Internal Medicine is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of adult diseases.

 

Our internal medicine team is dedicated to providing high-quality care for individuals struggling with substance use. We understand the unique challenges and complexities that come with addiction, and our team is equipped to address them with compassion and expertise.

 

Our Internal Medicine doctors are trained to identify and treat the physical and mental health issues that often accompany substance use. This can include conditions like liver disease, HIV/AIDS, and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. By providing comprehensive care, we can help our patients achieve and maintain long-term recovery.

 

Rocket Doctor substance use services team create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. This plan may include medication-assisted treatment, therapy, and support groups to address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction.

Peer Support

Referral programs

Peer support is a type of service provided in the substance use services field that involves individuals with lived experience of substance use providing support and guidance to others who are experiencing substance use. Peer support can take many forms, including one-on-one interactions, group support sessions, and online communities.

 

Rocket Doctor recognizes that individuals with first-hand experience of substance use can provide valuable insights and understanding to those who are currently struggling with substance use. By offering a non-judgmental space for individuals to connect and share their experiences, peer support can provide a sense of community and belonging for those who are in recovery.

 

Wellness Together Canada and Family for Addiction Recovery Canada organizations offer a range of peer support services, including online support groups and one-on-one counseling.

 

References:
https://www.farcanada.org/about/unique/
https://wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA/substances

On-Call Program for substance use in Ontario Canada

24/7/365 On-Call Program

Emergency support

Our On-Call Program offers round-the-clock support to individuals who are struggling with substance use. This service provides individuals with access to trained professionals who are available to offer support and guidance at any time of day or night.

 

The 24/7/365 On-Call Program is designed to provide immediate help to individuals who are experiencing a crisis related to their substance use, such as a relapse or an overdose. By offering support on a continuous basis, this program can help individuals navigate these difficult situations.

 

Our On-Call Programs offer online support services, such as chat and email support. This can provide individuals with a convenient and accessible way to connect with trained professionals and receive support from the comfort of their own homes.

Book an Appointment

Tell us about your symptoms and what worries you.

Schedule a virtual appointment with a Rocket Doctor who is an expert in your condition.

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Referrals

For patient referrals, please fax to 647-696-8973
 
The Substance Use Services Referral Form can be found here