Home  |  Contact  |  Career Opportunities  |  Frequently Asked Questions  |  Search  |  Text size:  Decrease font  Increase font
Board Member Login  |  
 
Support Our Work

Substance Use & Concurrent Disorders

Outpatient Clinic

The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre's Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders Program offers an Outpatient Clinic designed to introduce patients to basic concepts about addiction through group discussion, lectures, videos, and audio tapes.

Admission to the Outpatient Clinic is by an Addiction Program physician only.

The Outpatient Clinic aims to help patients understand the nature of the chemical abuse and addiction so they can make intelligent decisions regarding their drinking and/or drugging practices.  It is not designed as an intensive treatment program or as a long-term support group.

The Clinic runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday to Friday for up to eight weeks.  On the admission date, patients are expected to arrive at 8:30 a.m. to give the nurse time to complete an admission history prior to joining the group.

On arrival, patients will also be asked to sign the Patient Guidelines and agree to follow them while attending the Outpatient Clinic.

Outpatient Clinic Goals
The goals of the Outpatient Clinic are:

  • To evaluate the patient's mental and physical health and determine an appropriate treatment strategy.
  • To provide a safe, supportive and caring environment where patients can become free of chemicals and other mood-altering substances.
  • To assess and evaluate the patient's motivation and ability to participate in a rehabilitation program.
  • To educate patients on the nature of addiction.
  • To begin the patient's rehabilitation process for chemical-free living.
  • To identify and educate the patient in the use of appropriate community resources to support their pursuit of a chemical-free lifestyle.
  • To help patients gain a sense of self-worth and accomplishment.
  • To refer patients to an appropriate treatment program such as the 28-day Meadow Creek Program, the Evening or Afternoon Education and Support Program, the Relapse Prevention Program, other community services, or admission to The ROMHC's Assessment & Stabilization Unit (ASU) for those patient experiencing particular difficulties.

Outpatient Clinic Guidelines
A number of guidelines are necessary to maintain the smooth functioning of the group and ensure an atmosphere where all patients can maximize their opportunities for recovery.  These guidelines include:

  • Patients are not to take medication, prescribed or otherwise, without first consulting treatment staff.
  • During non-Clinic hours, if a patient feels they need an over-the-counter medication, they should call and speak with nursing staff on the ASU (613.722.6521, ext. 6454) before taking anything.
  • If patients have to go to an emergency department or clinic while in treatment, they are expected to take the letter from Dr. Wilson they received when first admitted and give it to the emergency medical staff.
  • Patients are not allowed to possess or use psychoactive substances while in treatment.  If a patient is unsure if a substance is psychoactive, they should consult a member of the treatment staff.
  • Patients are expected to provide a urine sample for drug screening upon admission to the Clinic, as well as once a week and whenever requested while in treatment.
  • Patients who smoke must do so either before group sessions begin, at break time, or at the end of the group session.
  • Violence and threatened violence (including verbal abuse) to other patients, staff or property will result in discharge from the Clinic.
  • Patients are not to volunteer advice or services (e.g., legal, financial, etc.) to their fellow patients while in treatment.
  • Patients must abstain from any form of gambling while in treatment (e.g., bingo, lottery tickets, >scratch-n-wins =, etc.)
  • Patients are expected to be enthusiastic about recovery and are encouraged to keep a journal as well as read literature from Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) and Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), including the A.A. >Big Book =.
  • Patients are expected to attend group sessions regularly once admitted to the program.
  • Patients who can't attend a particular session should call the Outpatient Clinic nurse in advance at 613.722.6521, ext. 6440.

Patients who miss five days of the Clinic without contacting the nurse will be discharged from the program.