Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services in Canada

Abstract

Substance use disorder is an increasingly challenging and widespread issue throughout Canada with significant barriers negatively impacting access for treatment seekers. This paper seeks to examine the salient factors prohibiting equitable access for these individuals, while exploring a series of pragmatic considerations for policymakers to advance system efficacy. Increasing demand, treatment availability, funding prioritization, and marginalized subgroups were identified as central factors impacting treatment access. A review of the current intervention programs to enhance access is discussed, in addition to areas for system improvement and methodological considerations for future research.