Addiction Services in Ontario

ConnexOntario is a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline offering support and information on addiction services available across Ontario. We provide support 365 days a year by phone, chat, text, and email, helping connect individuals, family members, caregivers, and professionals to local programs that meet their needs, language, and location. Our addiction services help people address substance use concerns involving alcohol, opioids, prescription medications, cannabis, and other drugs through a range of supports, including counselling, withdrawal management, residential treatment, outpatient programs, and harm reduction services. While ConnexOntario does not provide counselling or treatment directly, our trained specialists can help you understand your options and access the addiction supports. 

Swirls Mask

Who Can Call the Addiction Support Helpline?

Our helpline is available to anyone seeking support managing an addiction, whether you’re reaching out for yourself or on behalf of someone you care about. You can contact ConnexOntario if you are:

  • Looking for addiction services in Ontario
  • Not sure what kind of help you need
  • Supporting a family member, friend, or client
  • A healthcare or community worker helping someone find services
Calling a helpline for addiction services with ConnexOntario

What Types of Addiction Help Does ConnexOntario Provide?

While we are here to provide addiction  support, if you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call your local crisis number or ask us to direct you to the right resources.

Our helpline staff is available 24/7 to:

  • Listen without judgment, offer compassionate support, and help you explore the first steps toward recovery.
  • Connect you with local addiction treatment services and community supports including crisis lines, self-help groups, and family assistance.
  • Provide accurate, up-to-date information on addiction programs, treatment, and services.

We can also help you:

  • Understand the different types of addiction services available in Ontario
  • Find addiction services near you based on your location, needs, and preferences
  • Learn what to expect from treatment, recovery programs, or counselling
  • Access culturally appropriate and language-specific supports

All calls to our helpline are confidential and completely free of charge. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.

Types of Addictions

Addiction can take many forms, affecting individuals in different ways. Whether it involves substances or behaviours, ConnexOntario is here to help you find the right support.

Substance Use Addiction

Substance use addiction, also referred to as a substance use disorder (SUD), happens when a person cannot control their use of alcohol, drugs, or medications, even when it causes harm. It can have different impacts on individuals, and some people may experience challenges related to their use, including dependence or addiction. According to Canadian clinical and public health guidelines, substance use disorders can range from mild to severe and may require different levels of care. Common substances that people may seek support for include:

  • Alcohol
  • Drugs (including opioids and stimulants)
  • Prescription medications

Behavioural Addictions

Behavioural addiction, also known as process addictions, occur when a person feels a strong urge to repeat certain behaviours, even when it negatively affects their life. These behaviours can impact a person’s mental health, relationships, work, and finances. Like substance addiction, behavioural addictions may require support, counselling, or treatment. Examples of behavioural addictions and compulsive behaviours include:

  • Gambling-related challenges
  • Compulsive eating
  • Compulsive sexual behaviours
  • Problematic internet and gaming

Co-occurring Addictions

Co-occurring addictions happen when a person experiences more than one addiction or has both addiction and mental health challenges at the same time. For example, someone may struggle with substance use and also have anxiety or depression. Effective recovery typically involves a coordinated effort, addressing both conditions together through counselling, therapy, medication (when appropriate), and community-based supports.

What Addiction Treatment Services are Available in Ontario?

Addiction can affect anyone, and seeking help is the first step toward recovery. ConnexOntario can connect you to a variety of addiction treatment services in Ontario including:

  • Substance Use Counselling
  • Detox (Withdrawal Management)
  • Residential & Intensive Treatment
  • Harm Reduction Programs
  • Family Support
  • Addiction Crisis Intervention

If you or someone you care about is dealing with addiction, we will provide you with information on local services, including emergency care, detox programs, and long-term treatment options.

Addiction support in Ontario with ConnexOntario

Addiction Support for All Ontarians

Our services are available to all people in Ontario, including youth, adults, families, and caregivers. Whether you need a referral to addiction counselling services, peer support, or crisis intervention, we’re here to guide you to local resources and services that can help. We are committed to accessible care and can connect you to services that meet your cultural, language, and accessibility needs. 

Alliston
Angus
Barrie
Bradford
Collingwood
Essa
Hanover
Innisfil
Midland
Mulmur
New Tecumseth
Orillia
Owen Sound
Pefferlaw
Penetanguishene
Simcoe County
Southampton
Wasaga Beach

Belleville
Brock
Brockville
Clarington
Cornwall
Dufferin County
Hawkesbury
Kingston
Mulmur
Pembroke
Renfrew
Renfrew County
Smiths Falls
Trenton

Acton
Ajax
Alton
Aurora
Beeton
Bolton
Bowmanville
Bradford
Brampton
Burlington
Caledon
Durham
East Gwillimbury
East York
Etobicoke
Georgetown
Georgina
Halton
Halton Hills
Holland Landing
Keswick
King
King City
Maple
Markham
Milton
Mississauga
Mount Albert
Newmarket
Nobleton
North York
Oakville
Oshawa
Palgrave
Peel
Pefferlaw
Pickering
Port Perry
Richmond Hill
Scarborough
Schomberg
Scugog
Stouffville
Sutton
Thornhill
Toronto
Tottenham
Uxbridge
Vaughan
Whitby
Woodbridge
York

Brantford
Cambridge
East Garafraxa
Fergus
Grand Valley
Halton
Hamilton
Kitchener
Listowel
Melancthon
Mono
New Hamburg
Orangeville
Shelburne
Stoney Creek
Stratford
Waterloo

Cambridge
Dufferin County
East Garafraxa
Fergus
Grand Valley
Guelph
Kitchener
Listowel
Melancthon
Mono
New Hamburg
Orangeville
Shelburne
Stratford
Waterloo

Campbellford
Cobourg
Kawartha Lakes
Lindsay
Peterborough
Port Hope

Fort Erie
Grimsby
Niagara
Niagara Falls
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Port Colborne
St. Catharines
Thorold
Welland

Blind River
Elliot Lake
Kapuskasing
Kirkland Lake
New Liskeard
North Bay
Sault Ste. Marie
Sudbury
Timmins

Dryden
Fort Frances
Kenora
Sioux Lookout
Thunder Bay

Carleton Place
Kanata
Kemptville
Nepean
Orleans
Ottawa

Chatham
London
Sarnia
Simcoe
St. Thomas
Windsor
Woodstock

What to Expect When You Contact ConnexOntario

When you contact ConnexOntario, a trained information and referral specialist will listen to your concerns and provide personalized recommendations. Here is what typically happens when you reach out:

  1. We listen carefully to your situation and ask a few simple questions
  2. We explain your options for addiction services in Ontario
  3. We provide tailored referrals or up-to-date contact information for services near you
  4. We support you in taking the next step toward recovery

Confidentiality and Multi-Language Support

We understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help, and we are committed to offering non-judgmental, compassionate support. ConnexOntario follows strict privacy and confidentiality standards to protect your information. Our service is confidential, and anything you share will remain private unless you consent to a referral or if there is a risk of harm. ConnexOntario’s helpline is available in more than 130 languages through professional translation services, making it accessible to people across Ontario regardless of their primary language. Whether you’re unsure about treatment or just need more information, we are here to assist you.

How ConnexOntario Can Help

Call us at 1-866-531-2600 or message us through our chat or text service.

 

You can contact us anytime, day or night, 365 days a year. There is no waitlist to speak with a trained information and referral specialist. We’re here to listen, offer guidance, and help you take the next step toward recovery. No matter where you are in your journey, you don’t have to face addiction alone. ConnexOntario will connect you to trusted, evidence-based addiction services to support your recovery and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Addiction services are programs and supports that help people reduce or stop harmful substance use or behaviours. These services may include counselling, detox (withdrawal management), inpatient or residential treatment programs, outpatient care, and harm reduction support.

In Ontario, addiction services are available in hospitals, community clinics, and specialized treatment centres. Many services are publicly funded or covered through Ontario’s health system, making support more accessible to individuals seeking help for addiction.

Ontario offers a wide range of addiction services to support people at every stage of their recovery. These include counselling, detox (withdrawal management), residential treatment, outpatient programs, harm reduction services, and family support. ConnexOntario can help connect you to services near you based on your needs.

There are different types of addiction treatment available, depending on your needs and level of support. Common options include:

  • Outpatient counselling, where you meet with a counsellor while living at home
  • Residential treatment, which provides 24/7 care in a structured setting
  • Withdrawal management (detox), which helps you safely stop using substances
  • Harm reduction services, which help reduce risks and support safer use

Some people may need one type of treatment, while others may use a combination of services over time.

Our team will listen to your concerns and connect you with appropriate addiction services in your area.

You do not need to provide any personal information to receive support. When you contact ConnexOntario, you may be asked a few optional questions about your situation, location, and support needs to help us connect you with the most appropriate addiction or mental health services in Ontario. All information shared is confidential and used only to guide referrals and support options. You do not need to provide any personal information to receive support. When you contact ConnexOntario, you may be asked a few optional questions about your situation, location, and support needs to help us connect you with the most appropriate addiction or mental health services in Ontario. All information shared is confidential and used only to guide referrals and support options. 

Yes. ConnexOntario services are completely confidential. Information shared during your call, chat, text, or email is kept private and is only used to help connect you with relevant addiction treatment services in Ontario. You can reach out with confidence that your privacy is protected.

ConnexOntario’s addiction support services are available to anyone in Ontario. This includes:

  • Individuals experiencing substance use or behavioural addiction concerns
  • Family members and caregivers seeking support for a loved one
  • Friends, professionals, and service providers looking for referrals
  • Youth, adults, and older adults across Ontario

Yes. You can contact ConnexOntario if you are concerned about a family member, friend, client, or loved one experiencing substance use or behavioural addiction challenges. We regularly support caregivers and professionals seeking addiction service referrals and guidance in Ontario.

Yes, ConnexOntario’s addiction information and referral services are completely free.

In many cases, you do not need a doctor’s referral to access addiction services in Ontario. Some programs are self-referral, while others may have specific intake requirements. Many publicly funded services are available to Ontario residents, and OHIP coverage is not always required depending on the program type. ConnexOntario can help you understand eligibility and access requirements for local addiction treatment services.

No, we do not provide counselling or treatment services. However, we offer information and can connect you with professional addiction counsellors, treatment programs, and mental health services in Ontario

ConnexOntario can help you and your family:

  • Understand addiction treatment options and recovery pathways
  • Access local addiction services based on location, needs, and preferences
  • Connect with counselling, detox, rehab, harm reduction, and crisis services
  • Navigate the addiction system in Ontario more easily

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or at risk of harm, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department right away. You can also contact ConnexOntario anytime, and we can help direct you to local crisis services, mental health crisis lines, or urgent addiction supports in Ontario.

Yes, we are here to listen and offer information, even if you’re not ready to seek treatment.

Scroll to Top
1-866-531-2600
Text us
Live Chat
Email Us