By Nina Dragicevic

In May 2023, Olivia (who didn’t want her last name used) was rushed to Humber River Health’s Apotex Emergency Department (ED) with an alcohol overdose. The 31-year-old’s drinking had become “very intense” in recent years, she says, to the point where this was the second time she was rushed to Humber.

The severity of her overdose landed her in the intensive care unit, but when she was released this time, Olivia entered Humber’s four-week Intensive Day Treatment program.

The day program gave her structure, she says, and classes covered the science behind chemical dependency and withdrawal, as well as coping skills, recovery plans, mindfulness and group therapy. Humber staff always treated her with respect and empathy, she notes. “I was able to immerse myself in the program in the mornings, and then do the work for it through the whole week,” Olivia says. “It was an intense period when I needed to see the bigger picture.”

After day treatment, Olivia moved to the Aftercare program; weekly meetings for eight weeks that sometimes featured presentations about a specific topic or group members sharing when they needed to talk. Non-judgmental, flexible and supportive, she benefited so much that she’s done the Aftercare program three times to date. “Aftercare helped me with more of a sense of community, and I’m just continuing (group) therapy to remind myself why I’m doing this, how I’m doing, that I’m not alone,” Olivia says. “But also for a bit of accountability.”

STATE-OF-THE-ART TREATMENT

The Chemical Dependency program, of which the Aftercare program is a part, is one of the most innovative at Humber, says Daniel Tziatis, Mental Health and Addictions Program Director. There are four medical withdrawal treatment beds, mental health supports to manage symptoms, the latest long-lasting medications to help prevent relapse, and inpatient and outpatient care. “We’re providing innovative care and best-practice treatment,” Tziatis says. “But also engaging with our community to better understand what it needs and how the hospital system can support those needs.”

This program is only one part of the comprehensive mental health and addictions services at Humber. The Emergency Psychiatric Unit, for instance, provides a dedicated team for patients in crisis, Tziatis explains. Access to physicians, nurses and social workers means most patients can be released in less than 24 hours, with plans for outpatient or community care.

He adds that fast and efficient treatment is essential because it frees up space for another person who needs acute care. Long stays mean long waiting lists – and for many, early intervention and follow-up support will be effective.

REDUCING WAIT TIMES

Rapid access and individualized treatment plans are critical to Humber’s services as a whole, says Dr. Steven Selchen, Chief of Psychiatry and Medical Director of Mental Health and Addictions. Wait times for mental health treatment are an issue across Canada. “This is a significant innovation that’s been undertaken by our extraordinary interdisciplinary team,” he says, “and has led to considerable improvement in matching services to patients and our ability as a whole team to take responsibility for our population.”

Outpatient services include intensive programs for depression and anxiety, early psychosis intervention and follow-up care, and a youth-focused transitional program with Lumenus Community Services to provide continuous care outside the hospital. As well, classrooms in the hospital are partnered with the Toronto District School Board so children and adolescents can keep up their learning as inpatients. “It really ensures that we have a healthcare system providing that full suite of services and care, both in the hospital setting and then integrated into the community,” says Dr. Selchen.

As for Olivia, she tells her story because she’s grateful, and she wants others to know Humber is ready to help. “I’m still a work in progress,” she says. “But they saved my life, as well. Not just in the program, but initially, they literally saved my life.”

 

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