Addictions Services

Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) Info

What is a RAAM clinic and who is it for?

(Click to print or view brochure): RAAM Brochure

RAAM clinics are walk-in clinics for adults (ages 18+) looking to get help with high-risk substance use and addiction. No referral is needed.

This includes people who want to try medical assistance to reduce or stop their substance use. RAAM clinics are also for people who may have substance-related health issues, such as hepatitis, pancreatitis and infections. 

RAAM clinics are not for people needing urgent medical attention for serious physical problems or mental health symptoms such as psychosis (paranoia, delusions, hallucinations), agitation; who are at active risk of harm to self or others, or who require police/security involvement.

It can be very difficult to accept that your substance use is problematic, and it’s normal to feel ashamed, frightened, or angry. But the good news is that medical treatment for problematic substance use and addiction is safe and effective. People can and do recover from addiction.

You don’t need an appointment, just show up during clinic hours. If you have a Manitoba Health card or Manitoba Health number, please bring this along.

Where can I find a RAAM Clinic?

The posted clinic hours are for new walk-in patients seeking RAAM clinic services. In addition, the RAAM clinical team – physician, counsellor, nurse – provides follow-up to patients. This includes coordinating medication management, making referrals to other services, supporting and consulting with other providers, and informing other service providers about RAAM clinic services.

Selkirk – In Person Walk-In

Selkirk – Digital Front Door Drop-In Clinic (Virtual)

These virtual clinics are led by nurses. If needed, a follow-up appointment with a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant will be arranged (either virtually or in-person).

If you have any problems connecting please call 204-785-7513.

Connect with RAAM services using your laptop or mobile device.

To learn when other RAAM clinics open or for more information, call the Manitoba Addictions Helpline at 1-855-662-6605 or go to http://mbaddictionhelp.ca/services/rapid-access-to-addictions-medicine-raam/

For youth under 18 years old, please contact the Youth Addiction Centralized Intake service. Call 1-877-710-3999 (8:30 am – 4:30 pm, weekdays) or visit www.manitoba.ca/health/mh/addictions/youth.html

What happens when I go to a RAAM clinic?

If you’re feeling anxious or hesitant about going to the RAAM clinic, consider bringing a supportive person with you. This may help you feel less overwhelmed and less alone.

The clinic team will complete a health history including questions about your substance use such as:

• when and how you started using,
• how much and how frequently you use, and
• how using may impact your life and responsibilities.

The clinic team is there to help you. These questions are to get a more complete picture of your situation in order to determine how to best help you.

 Substance use conditions are treatable.

Once the health history is complete, the RAAM clinic team will make treatment recommendations. There are four options:

1.  Education The RAAM clinic team will provide you with information on how to make choices that will lower the risks of substance use, such as tips on how to pace your use as well as situations to avoid.

2.  Counselling The RAAM clinic team provides brief counseling or may refer you to counselling programs as part of your treatment. Counselling programs can include education on substances and healthy lifestyle choices, group and individual counselling sessions, help with developing coping skills, and connections to support groups. The team will work with you to determine what form of counselling would be most helpful for you.

3.  Medications Addiction to some substances, such as alcohol or opioids, can be treated with a medication that will help to lessen cravings, as well as decrease the withdrawal symptoms that may accompany your early days of sobriety. Medication may make other types of treatment more effective and reduce the risk of relapse. These medications are safe and effective when prescribed by a RAAM physician. The team will discuss appropriate options with you.

4.  Other Supports You may benefit from more intensive services such as withdrawal management services (i.e. “detox”) or residential addiction treatment. The RAAM clinic team can arrange referrals to these services, among other specialized services.

SAFETY

IMPORTANT – If you are seeking treatment for opioid addictions, abstinence (including withdrawal management/detoxification) is NOT recommended. Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) (the use of long-acting medications to treat withdrawal and prevent relapse) is recommended as a safe and effective way to treat your opioid addiction.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Individuals do not have to be substance-free for any length of time to access RAAM services. However, they must be able to have an informed conversation about treatment, understanding the risks and benefits of treatment options. If a person is too intoxicated to have an informed conversation, they may be asked to return at a later date or referred to another service.

If an individual with opioid use disorder is to receive Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) with buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), the time from last opioid use will factor into the decision on how to safely start the medication. There is no specific timeframe of required abstinence from opioids before attending RAAM.

Mobile Withdrawal Management Service

Interlake-Eastern Health has partnered with Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) and the communities of Dauphin River, Pinaymootang, Little Saskatchewan, Lake St. Martin or Lake Manitoba to offer mobile withdrawal management services (MWMS).

Learn more.

Community Addictions Program – Adult

Provides therapeutic, supportive, and educational services for individuals or people supporting those living with substance use or gambling concerns. 

Adult services are provided to adults 18 years and older who are seeking assistance either due to their own or another’s involvement with alcohol, drugs, and/or gambling. We offer in-house and community-based services in communities across Manitoba.

Adult community addictions treatment services provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals making healthy lifestyle changes. We appreciate that these changes usually involve taking risks and often require time for people to develop new life skills. If substance use or gambling issues are causing you or your family concern, we can help.

ADULT
Selkirk: 204-785-2354
Beausejour: 204-268-6166
Gimli: 204-642-5162

Community Addictions Program – Youth

Maybe you just have some questions and are looking for a safe, non-judgmental place to get answers. Whatever your situation is, community addictions youth services are here for you. We offer a range of supportive services for young people 12 – 18 years of age.

In our programs, you can expect:

• Safety: This means you can be yourself, without the fear of being judged, criticized or lectured.
• Confidentiality: This means that your counsellor will not share information about you without your permission. One of our goals is to prevent harm to anyone. If we believe that someone is in danger, we may have to share information with another service in order to keep them safe.
• Respect: This means that we will listen and talk with you, not at you. You have the right to think what you think, feel what you feel and believe what you believe.
• Openness: Your counsellor will not keep information about you from you. You will be involved in all decisions affecting you.

YOUTH
Gimli: 204-642-5162
*Sunrise School Division: 204-268-6782
*Interlake School Division: 204-467-5539 (Sep-Jun)
*Lord Selkirk School Division (Middle Years): 204-785-2354
*Lord Selkirk School Division (High School): 204-482-6926 (Sep to Jun) and 204-785-2354 (Jul to Aug)

*Shared Health Staff

Impaired Driver Program

If you are not sure whether you need to access the Impaired Driver Program, please contact MPI at 204-985-7694.

Impaired Driver Program – Main Office
WRHA Mental Health & Addictions
146 Magnus Ave.
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2W 2B4
Phone: 204-944-6290
Fax: 204-774-8091

Other Impaired Driver Assessment Offices:

• Beausejour: 204-268-6166
• Gimli: 204-642-5162
• Selkirk: 204-785-2354

Rehabilitation and Recovery Inpatient Treatment Programs – Adult

A short-term (21-28 days) in-house alcohol and/or drugs program is available through the five facilities. Facilities are located in Brandon, Ste. Rose du Lac, Thompson and Winnipeg. The program provides clients with assistance and opportunities to address their alcohol and/or drug problems in a safe, highly structured environment.

Rehabilitation and Recovery Inpatient Treatment Programs – Youth

THINKING ABOUT MAKING A CHANGE?

Are you worried about your use of drugs or alcohol? Have you tried to make a change, but your use is still a problem? There might be other things you’d like to change in your life as well.

MAYBE COMPASS CAN HELP YOU FIND A NEW DIRECTION

Compass is an in-house program for young people who want support to change their use of alcohol or drugs. It’s a place to learn about yourself, develop new skills, and move forward in your life. Other things you should know:

• It’s voluntary.
• It’s for youth 13 – 18 + years old
• The location is near Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
• It’s a safe, drug-free environment.
• We know change isn’t easy. We will respect you and give you support to be successful in meeting your goals.
• Youth are able to continue smoking cigarettes while in the program.

For more information about our program or application process, contact our intake office at: [email protected].