Get Help for Substance Use

Addiction Treatment

Addiction treatment for substance use is complex and challenging.  The A+ Pharmacy team incorporates the latest advances in health care and substance use research to counsel and treat our patients while respecting your privacy.

By working closely with your doctor, we provide individualized treatment for problematic substances such as Opioids, Benzodiazepines, Nicotine, and Alcohol.

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Addictive Substances we can treat

Opioids

Opioids are substances that bind to the opioid receptors found in different systems and organs within the body.  They are considered depressants as they slow down breathing, heart rate, and brain activity.  Opioids are addictive.

Some examples of opioids are:

  • Illegal substances, such as heroin
  • Pain reliever medications by prescription, such as codeine, morphine, oxycodone, and hydromophone
  • Synthetic (man-made) substances, such as fentanyl and carfentanil

Please visit the Government of Canada website for more information on the Opioid crisis.

Opioid Treatment

By working closely with your doctor, A+ Pharmacy and Compounding Centre will develop an individualized treatment plan aiming to reduce potential health hazards and social harms associated with opioid misuse and dependence.

The main two medication assisted treatments we use are:

  • Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT)
  • Buprenorphine Maintenance Treatment (BMT)

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are depressants that reduce brain activity and other bodily functions.  They are found in medication with familiar names like Ativan and Xanax.  Benzodiazepines are also known as tranquilizers and sleeping pills.  They are also used to ease withdrawal from other drugs and are addictive.

Benzodiazepine Treatment

By working closely with your doctor, A+ Pharmacy and Compounding Centre will develop an individualized treatment plan for you.  Our goal is to reduce potential health hazards and social harms associated with benzodiazepine misuse and dependence.

The main medication assisted treatment we use is called Suboxone.  Suboxone is brand name for a medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone.

Nicotine

Nicotine is the addictive chemical found in tobacco. It is both a stimulant and a depressant. In high doses, Nicotine provides a stimulating effect immediately after use.  In low doses, Nicotine has a depressant effect.  Various other factors impact the effect of nicotine, such as your mood and environment.  Nicotine is addictive.

Some examples of tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS).

Nicotine Treatment

By working closely with your doctor, A+ Pharmacy and Compounding Centre will develop an individualized smoking cessation program to help you give up smoking.

Our smoking cessation program can help you double your chances of successfully quitting smoking though behavioral counselling, nicotine replacement aids, and prescription medications.

For more information on smoking cessation programs please visit the Government of Ontario’s website.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a legal, controlled substance with a depressant effect.  Effects of alcohol varies from person to person and is addictive.

Alcohol is commonly consumed as a drink in various forms, such as beer, wine, and hard liquor.

Alcohol Treatment

There are many effective anti-craving medication options available to help people reduce or stop their problematic drinking. These medications can be particularly effective when combined with behavioral counselling, 12-step recovery principles, and other psychosocial supports.