Treatment in Canada

Effective treatment is a necessity in reducing the risks and harms associated with alcohol and other drug use in Canada. However, many Canadians do not have access to the full range of services and supports that comprise an effective treatment continuum.

Improving the quality, accessibility, and availability of treatment options is a priority under the National Framework for Action to Reduce the Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances in Canada. The report A Systems Approach to Substance Use in Canada: Recommendations for a National Treatment Strategy was produced by a broadly representative Working Group to address this priority. With funding obtained through Health Canada's Drug Treatment Funding Program, CCSA is working with partners across Canada to promote the implementation of the report's recommendations in the following areas:

Leadership
Knowledge Exchange
Promoting a Tiered Model of Services and Supports
System Monitoring

View the Systems Approach Workbook and Website

Access an online resource to support managers, directors, project leads and others making change to Canadian substance use systems. You'll find support for change management, information on trends in the field and customizable templates — all developed within a framework provided by the Systems Approach report's guiding concepts and recommendations.

New data! National Treatment Indicators

CCSA and the National Treatment Indicators Working Group are working to provide the data needed to inform system planning and service delivery across Canada. The National Treatment Indicators report is the first step toward creating a national picture of service access in Canada.

View the latest report.

Learn about the SystemAction network

SystemAction is a national network of networks committed to developing a comprehensive, integrated system of substance use services and supports in Canada.

CCSA continues to improve treatment in Canada through best practice publications and the resource package Competencies for Canada's Substance Abuse Workforce. It includes both technical and behavioural competencies as well as tools and guides.