Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM)

Jump to clinic locations & hours

What is a RAAM clinic and who is it for?

The RAAM clinic is an easy to access walk-in clinic that people can visit to get help for substance use without an appointment or formal referral.

RAAM clinics are drop-in clinics for people looking to get help with high risk substance use and addictions. 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, or infections, among others.

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

The people working at these clinics know how difficult it is to ask for help. You don’t need an appointment to go to the clinic – just show up during clinic hours with your Manitoba Health card.

Substance use is common among Canadians. But when your substance use leads to a hospital visit, it’s a sign that it is causing problems in your life.

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 is safe and effective.

Our RAAM clinic is walk-in based. No appointment needed and no referral needed. Please bring your Manitoba Health card (if available).

What happens when I go to the RAAM clinic?

The clinic team will ask you about your history of substance use:

Substance use conditions are treatable.

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

1. Advice – Many people who have to go to the hospital for a substance-related problem are injured as a result of using too much. In these cases, the RAAM clinic team will provide you with advice on how to make choices that will minimize the risks of substance use, such as tips on how to pace your use and situations to avoid.
2. Counselling – The RAAM clinic team may refer you to counselling as part of your treatment. Counselling programs can include education on substances and healthy lifestyle choice, group and individual therapy sessions, help with developing coping skills, cognitive behavioural therapy, and peer 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, effective, and non-addictive. The team will discuss your options with you.
4. Support – If you’re feeling anxious or hesitant about going to the RAAM clinic, consider bringing a supportive person with you. Changing your substance use can be very difficult, and having someone with you while you speak to the team may make you feel less overwhelmed and less alone.

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.

Locations & Hours

No appointment needed and no referral needed. Please bring your Manitoba Health card (if available).

Brandon – In-person Walk-in

Brandon – Digital Front Door Drop-in Clinic (Virtual)

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

If you have any problems connecting please call 204-578-4800.

Connect with RAAM services using your laptop or mobile device (Supports Safari, Edge, Chrome browsers).

For more information

• Complete list of RAAM Clinics in Manitoba.
• Manitoba Addictions Helpline 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