Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) Clinic
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.
What is a RAAM clinic and who is it for?
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.
What happens when I go to a RAAM clinic?
The clinic team will ask you about your history of substance use:
- when and how you started using
- how much and how frequently you use
- how it may impact your life and responsibilities
The clinic team is not there to judge you. The point of these questions is not to make you feel guilty or defensive, but to get a complete picture of you in order to determine how to help you.
Substance use conditions are treatable.
The RAAM clinic team then recommends what treatment will likely work best for you. There are four options:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Where can I find a RAAM clinic?
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.
Harm reduction supplies, including Naloxone (a medication to counter an opioid overdose) are available at all RAAM clinics.
TO CHECK FOR ANY RECENT UPDATES ON CHANGES TO SERVICES PLEASE CLICK HERE.
RAAM Information sheet – Printable
Winnipeg
Crisis Response Centre (CRC)
817 Bannatyne Avenue
Walk-in clinic: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays – starts at 1 p.m. (Registration forms accepted after 9 a.m., individuals must be on site at 12 noon). Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Registration begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.)
Regular hours of operation: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For assistance on RAAM services at the CRC contact the Service Navigator at: (204) 792-7159
Harm Reduction Supplies are available 24 hours – 7 days a week at this location.
Virtual Clinic: Video appointments are available Thursday afternoons for those with mobility, transportation or other challenges. This service requires an email address and reliable internet.
Call (204) 792-7159 for more information and to book an appointment.
River Point Centre
146 Magnus Avenue
Walk-in clinic: Mondays – starts at 1 p.m. (Registration forms accepted after 9 a.m., individuals must be on site at 12 noon). Thursdays – starts at 9:30. Registration begins at 9 a.m.
Regular hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For assistance on RAAM services at the RPC contact the Team at: 204-390-8078 or 1-855-662-6605
Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre
181 Higgins Avenue (2nd Floor – elevator accessible)
Walk-in Clinic: Tuesdays – starts at 12 p.m. Thursdays – starts at 1 p.m. Registration begins at 11 a.m. on both days.
Regular Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For assistance on RAAM services at the AHWC contact the Team at: 204-560-7927
Brandon
7th Street Health Access Centre
20 – 7th Street
Walk-in clinic: Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration opens at 10:45 a.m.
Phone: 204-578-4800 (Call Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Selkirk
Selkirk Community Health Office
237 Manitoba Avenue
Walk-in clinic: Tuesdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Registration opens at 12 p.m. (noon).
Phone: 204-785-7513 (Call Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
NEW – Selkirk Digital Front Door Drop-in Clinic
Connect with RAAM services using your laptop or mobile device (Supports Safari, Edge, Chrome browsers).
These virtual clinics are led by nurses. If needed a follow-up appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner will be arranged (either virtually or in-person).
If you have any problems connecting please call 204-785-7513
When: Wednesdays 9 to 11 a.m.
Link (click here): selkirk.accessraam.ca
- Once connected you will be asked some basic information before entering into a virtual waiting room. A RAAM staff member will then connect with you.
- Access to RAAM Digital Front Door is based on service demand and resource availability.
Thompson
Eaglewood Treatment Centre
90 Princeton Drive
Walk-in clinic: Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Wednesdays & Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m.
Phone: 1-866-291-7774 or 204-677-7300 or 204-677-7240 (Call Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
NEW – Thompson RAAM Digital Front Door Drop-in Clinic
Connect with RAAM services using your laptop or mobile device (Supports Safari, Edge, Chrome browsers).
These virtual clinics are led by nurses. If needed a follow-up appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner will be arranged (either virtually or in-person).
If you have any problems connecting please call 204-677-7300
When: Tuesdays 2 to 4 p.m.
Link (click here): thompson.accessraam.ca
- Once connected you will be asked some basic information before entering into a virtual waiting room. A RAAM staff member will then connect with you.
- Access to RAAM Digital Front Door is based on service demand and resource availability.
Portage la Prairie
159 – 5th Street S.E., Portage la Prairie
Walk-in clinic: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration opens at 12:30 p.m.
Regular hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (204) 239-8800 or call any time and leave a message.
NEW – Portage la Prairie RAAM Digital Front Door Drop-in Clinic
Connect with RAAM services using your laptop or mobile device (Supports Safari, Edge, Chrome browsers).
These virtual clinics are led by nurses. If needed a follow-up appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner will be arranged (either virtually or in-person).
If you have any problems connecting please call (204) 239-8800
When: Mondays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Closed for lunch 12-1)
Link: plap.accessraam.ca
- Once connected you will be asked some basic information before entering into a virtual waiting room. A RAAM staff member will then connect with you.
- Access to RAAM Digital Front Door is based on service demand and resource availability.
The posted clinic 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.
For more information, call the Manitoba Addictions Helpline at 1-855-662-6605.
For youth under 18 years old, please contact the Youth Addiction Centralized Intake service. Call 1-877-710-3999 or visit https://manitoba.ca/health/mh/addictions/youth.html.
