Introduction

In 1992, the Alcohol and Drug Dependency Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador was integrated into the Department of Health's Community Health Board plan for the delivery of community health services. Addictions Services (ADS) was formed through this integration  In addition, Addictions Services began to provide help for problem gamblers and their families in 1995.

For more information on problem gambling click here

Today Addictions Services in this province are administered through the 4 Regional Integrated Health Authorities: Eastern Regional Integrated Health Authority, Central Regional Integrated Health Authority, Western Regional Integrated Health Authority and Labrador-Grenfell Regional Integrated Health Authority.

Information is now available on Alcohol, Drugs, Gambling, and other related topics.
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Responsible For:

Coordinating alcohol, other drugs, and gambling education, prevention and treatment services within Newfoundland and Labrador. These services and programs are offered through any of the regional offices under the Regional Integrated Health Authorities located across the province.

Philosophy

The philosophy of Addictions Services is that alcohol, other drug and gambling dependencies affect every area of an individual's life (physical, psychological, social and spiritual). Our approach, therefore, is to provide a variety of program components which focus on all these needs. We encourage a healthy and positive lifestyle by providing an environment in which clients and their families may gain the knowledge, skills, and support to facilitate change. We provide a range of community based treatment and intervention services to effectively meet the needs of each individual.

Detoxification Services

The Recovery Center is a provincial non-medical detoxification service which is operated by the Addictions Services branch of the Eastern Regional Integrated Health Authority. The Recovery Centre, located in St. John's, is open to men and women who are intoxicated or who are experiencing symptoms of alcohol and other drug withdrawal or who are needing respite from a gambling problem. Clients of the Recovery Centre have full access to the outpatient and inpatient treatment services of Addictions Services.

Detoxification may also be accomplished at home under a doctor's guidance or in a hospital for those experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and needing supervised detoxification.

Treatment Services

The treatment services of Addictions Services are available to anyone in the community. An initial referral should be made to a local Addictions Services office for a comprehensive assessment of the client's problems and needs. This includes a complete medical and psychosocial assessment.

The results of the assessment are used to determine the most appropriate type of treatment plan for the rehabilitation process. This plan may include a referral to outside agencies that provide services not offered by Addictions Services.

Following assessment, clients will be matched to the most appropriate service available to them.

Outpatient Services

Addictions Services administers an extensive outpatient counselling service for individuals and family members. Individual treatment programs are established for those who are experiencing alcohol and other drug dependency. Treatment is offered in individual, family, and group settings.

Inpatient Services

Humberwood Centre, located in Corner Brook, provides a three week inpatient treatment service for, men and women age 18 years and older, who have a recognized chemical dependency and / or a gambling problem, and have been referred by an Addiction Services outpatient counsellor following assessment. The treatment program focuses on the physical effects of alcohol and other drug dependencies and / or problem gambling, emotional and personal issues, and the effect of dependency on relationships. Clients participate in individual and group counselling, relaxation and leisure therapy, and education sessions. An extensive follow-up program is also provided through the Addictions Services outpatient offices at the completion of inpatient treatment.

Referral Procedure

Please contact a local Addictions Services office to arrange an initial interview. Professional counsellors will complete a psychosocial assessment to determine the type of treatment recommended for the individual.

Addictions Services Offices

Eastern Regional Integrated Health Authority

Central Regional Integrated Health Authority

Western Regional Integrated Health Authority

Labrador – Grenfell Regional Integrated Health Authority