What is a RAAM clinic and who is it for?

 RAAM clinics are walk-in clinics for adults (ages 18+) looking to get help with high-risk substance use and addiction. This includes people who want to try medical assistance to reduce or stop their substance use. They may experience frequent intoxication or overdose symptoms, as well as unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when attempting 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. No referral is needed.

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.

 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 make 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 start using
  • how much and how frequently you use
  • how it may impact your life and responsibilities
  • The clinic team is there to help you. These questions are to get a complete picture of you 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 the withdrawal symptoms that may accompany your early days of sobriety. Medication usually makes other types of treatment much more effective and reduces 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: There may be the need for more intensive services such as withdrawal management services (i.e. “detox”) or in-house 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 addiction, 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. When you begin your recovery from opioid addiction, abstinence can place you at higher risk of overdose, medical harms and death. You are welcome to attend a RAAM clinic or contact other OAT providers to discuss your options.

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 community 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.

WHERE CAN I FIND A RAAM CLINIC?

 For general information about RAAM please contact the Manitoba Addictions Helpline at 1-855-662-6605.

If you need to speak directly with a RAAM clinic, please refer below for phone numbers and times to call.

• • Services are provided on a first come, first served basis, with some prioritization based on urgency. The walk-in clinics fill up quickly, it is advised you arrive at registration time. If the clinic is full, you may be referred to other services in your community
  • Please refer to the listings below for the best time to arrive at the clinic
  • Harm reduction supplies, including Naloxone (a medication to counter an opioid overdose) are available at all RAAM clinics

THOMPSON

Eaglewood Treatment Centre
90 Princeton Drive, Thompson

Walk-in Clinic:
Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Wednesdays & Thursdays – 1 to 4 p.m.
Phone: (866) 291-7774 or (204) 677-7300 or (204) 677-7240 (Call Monday – Friday 8:30-4:30)

The posted times are for new walk-in patients seeking RAAM clinic services. In addition, the RAAM clinical team – physician, counsellor, nurse – provides follow-up to patients, coordinating medication management, making referrals to other services, supporting and consulting with other providers, and  informing other service providers about RAAM clinic services. To learn when other RAAM clinics open or for more information, call the Manitoba Addictions Helpline at 1-855-662-6605 or go to mbaddictionhelp.ca/services/rapid-access-toaddictions-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