Substance Use Support

What is Substance Use Disorder?

Substance use disorder is a medical condition that affects how your brain processes reward, motivation, and decision-making. It’s not about weakness or choice it’s about brain chemistry. Repeated substance use changes neural pathways, making it increasingly difficult to control use even when you want to stop.

What begins as voluntary use can develop into physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and patterns that feel impossible to break alone.

But here’s what matters most: Substance use disorder is treatable, and recovery is possible with the right support.

If you or someone you love is struggling, know that help is available and that seeking it is a sign of strength, not failure.

Common indicators include:

Cravings and urges to use

Using more than intended or being unable to stop

Tolerance (needing more for the same effect)

Withdrawal symptoms when not using

Continuing despite relationship, work, health, or legal consequences

Neglecting responsibilities or activities

Increased secrecy, risk-taking, or isolation

Substance Use Disorders impacts not only the individual but families, workplaces and communities. Successful treatment requires structure, accountability, medical oversight, and ongoing psychological support.

Patient Support

Out-patient treatment at Savera Medical Centre in Edmonton & Calgary allows individuals to live at home while attending scheduled appointments for therapy, psychiatric oversight, relapse-prevention planning, and follow-up supports.
Out-patient care is appropriate when:
  • Withdrawal risk is low or medically stable
  • Home based treatment options
  • Home environment is safe and supportive
  • A person is transitioning from residential treatment
  • Daily responsibilities (work, childcare) must continue
  • Motivation is high and structure can be maintained with support
Savera Medical Centre in Edmonton & Calgary, out-patient treatment focuses on:
  • Psychological therapy
  • Psychiatric assessment and medical monitoring
  • Long-term relapse prevention
  • Long-term relapse prevention
  • Skills building
  • Family support and education

Common Addictions in Alberta

1. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Alcohol is the most common substance addiction in Canada and Alberta.

Signs: increased tolerance, drinking more than intended, morning or hidden drinking, withdrawal symptoms, blackouts, relationship conflict, DUIs, work impairment.

Risks: liver disease, heart problems, cognitive decline, injuries, legal issues.

Treatment: detox (if needed), medication for cravings, therapy, trauma-informed care, structured relapse-prevention.

2. Opioid Addiction (Prescription or Illicit)

Includes fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, morphine and similar medications.

Signs: sedation, nodding off, constricted pupils, withdrawal (nausea, body aches, sweating), compulsive use, doctor-shopping, financial or legal problems.

Risks: fatal overdose, infections, respiratory suppression, disability.

Treatment: medication-assisted therapy (e.g., buprenorphine/methadone), psychiatric oversight, close monitoring, therapy, relapse-prevention planning.

3. Cannabis Use Disorder

Although legal, cannabis can still lead to dependence or functional impairment.

Signs: heavy daily use, irritability when cutting back, reduced motivation, memory issues, avoidance of responsibilities, sleep disruption.

Risks: worsening anxiety, impaired cognition, academic/work challenges, late-adolescent brain effects.

Treatment: behavioural therapy, habit retraining, coping strategies, psychiatric support if co-occurring disorders are present.

4. Stimulant Addiction (Methamphetamine, Cocaine)

Stimulants are increasingly common in Alberta.

Signs: bursts of energy, insomnia, rapid speech, weight loss, paranoia, agitation, risky behaviour, financial strain.

Risks: heart complications, aggression, psychosis, unsafe sexual behaviour, legal involvement.

Treatment: intensive behavioural therapy, psychiatric stabilization, structured relapse-prevention, and coordination with in-patient care if needed.

5. Behavioural / Process Addictions (Gambling, Nicotine, Gaming)

These addictions involve compulsive behaviours rather than substances.

Signs: urges to engage in the behaviour, inability to stop, financial or relationship harm, using the behaviour to escape stress, withdrawal-like irritability.

Risks: debt, family breakdown, sleep disruption, physical health decline.

Treatment: therapy-focused approach (CBT, DBT, behavioural modification), accountability tracking, psychiatric support if a co-occurring disorder is present.

FAQ

Should I go on methadone or Suboxone?
This answer is unique to each patient. It depends on many other factors including side effect profile, comorbid substance use, medical history, patient preference, and the patient’s social stability. We recommend that you do your research and consult with your doctor when you come in for an appointment.
How long does it take to carry (take home medications)?
It depends solely on the treatment plan, treatment adherence, urine drug sample results, medical and psychosocial stability. In addition, CPSA standards and guidelines must be followed. However, we understand that treatment is meant to make your life more functional to spend time with family and outdoor activities but the doctor has to analyze the benefits and risks based on the specific factors in their treatment to provide the flexibility of treatment as early as possible and safe
How often do I have to test my urine?
The date of the urine test is determined by a randomization process generated by our EMR and typically requires the patient to submit urine samples once or twice a month depending on the stage of treatment.
How often are meetings held?
This response depends on the success of the treatment. Initially, visits are twice a month. Some patients eventually come in only three to four times a year. However, each process is individual and varies from patient to patient.
How can my family be involved in this process?
We encourage family participation in the process. Patients should be supported for the duration of their treatment. Families may attend part of the visit to consult with the doctors. However, this is at the patient’s discretion. We respect patient privacy at all times.
Should I expect any side effects from the treatment?
All medications have side effects. However, the benefits far outweigh the side effects. However, if you have any concerns, they can be addressed later with your doctor.