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How do I access Pinewood Centre services?

It's easy. Simply call the office nearest to you, or phone our Centre Street location and they will direct you to the most appropriate location.

Is there a cost for services?

No. All services are funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Individuals are required to show their Ontario Health Card.

How will I decide on the treatment plan that's best for me?

Our counsellors are trained in assessing each person's needs and strengths, and working with people to identify treatment goals and plans. Like most other addiction agencies in Ontario, Pinewood uses a standard package of questionnaires as part of the assessment process.

Ontario has strongly supported the concepts of "treatment matching" and "stepped care." This means that each client is "matched" to the type of treatment that best meets their needs, starting with the least intrusive - typically outpatient services.

How long will I be involved with Pinewood?

Since each treatment plan is based upon individual needs, the length of involvement varies greatly. A general trend is that people with more severe substance use and problem gambling issues require longer term involvement.

Withdrawal Managment Unit (formerly called 'Detox')

What is the average length of stay in the withdrawal managment unit?

It is important to note that the admission to the withdrawal managment unit is short term. It is a common misconception that withdrawal managment is the same thing as residential treatment which is three or more weeks. However, the average length of stay varies between 3-5 days. Each person is assessed on an indiviual basis taking into consideration such factors as how much has been consumed/used, the duration of use, and combinations of substances.

What can I expect when I come into the withdrawal managment unit?

An addiction counsellor will meet with you on an individual basis to complete the admission form and to go over our guidelines and confidentiality policy with you. Once that has been completed you will be given a tour of the unit and introduced to clients feeling well enough to be up on the unit at the time of your admission. Encouragment is given to rest, take nutritional meals and consume plenty of fluids. Front line staff will monitor your withdrawal symtoms on a 24 hour basis. Once you're feeling well enough, involvement with the daily 2:00 o'clock groups is encouraged and meeting with the discharge planner to establish treament options. Weekly NA meetings are also available on site for those interested in attending.

Crisis Walk In Services

When can I use the Crisis Walk In Services?

Drop ins are encouraged to come on a daily basis between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Telephone support is available on a 24 hour basis.

How much is too much to drink?

CAMH's low risk drinking guidelines suggest:
zero drinks = lowest risk of an alcohol related problem
2 = no more than two standard drinks on any one day
9 = up to nine standard drinks in a week for women
14 = up to 14 standard drinks a week for men

Problem Gambling

What is problem gambling?

Gambling is a problem when it adversely affects: relationships, family, friends; physical, social and mental health; employment; or finances. Neglecting family/personal needs e.g., nutrition, sleep, schooling or general well-being are also signs of a problem gamber.

How can I gamble responsibly?

For many people gambling is exciting and entertaining. They make careful decisions about spending time and money, where to go and how to have fun.

Here are some ways people gamble responsibly:

• Gamble for entertainment, not as a way to make money

• Balance gambling with other leisure activities

• Only use discretionary income, not money for everyday expenses

• Set a budget and stick to it

• Don't borrow money to gamble

• Set a time limit

• Do not use cash machines to get more money for gambling

• Take frequent breaks when gambling

• Be aware risk increases at times of loss or depression

How do self-exclusion programs work?

An individual can apply for exclusion at any Ontario Lottery and Gaming site (OLGC), but they are unable to apply off site. More than 2000 people have self-excluded to date.

A person can be self-excluded for an indefinite period of time and they cannot apply for reinstatement until six months after the date of exclusion. This exclusion program encompasses all OLGC sites.

If the self-exclusion is breached the individual will be fined with trespassing as outlined in the Trespass to Property Act.

Concurrent Disorders

What if I have a mental health concern and a substance use issue?

Individuals with a substance use or gambling concern have a higher incidence of mental health concerns. When these issues occur together, the term Concurrent Disorders (CD) is used. Pinewood Centre offers counseling, treatment groups and referrals for individuals with concurrent disorders.

Click HERE to learn more.

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