Alcohol abuse is one of the world’s — yes, the whole world’s — leading causes of injury and disease. While you can find a stiff drink just about anywhere in the world, there are some places where issues like alcoholism are far more common than others. Take Canada, for instance. A study conducted recently by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (referred to sometimes as “CAMH”) found that Canadians drink more than 50% above the global average. In other words, every time someone drinks a beer in say, the United States, their Canadian equivalent is close to finishing their second drink.

Substance abuse in Canada is, and has been, a huge issue for the taxpayers and the healthcare industry. The Canadian healthcare system is estimated to have lost, in total, around $8 billion to drug and substance abuse. This is a harrowing total, and it’s something of an epidemic. Another study conducted recently found that around 47,000 Canadians die from substance abuse each year.

These deaths were needless. There are incredible substance abuse treatment centres all over Canada. Finding the best rehab for you, a loved one, or a friend is incredibly easy, and is a much preferred alternative to allowing the health of someone you care about deteriorate due to addiction. Studies show these centres are needed — in any given year, 20% of all Canadians experience a mental health or addiction problem. That is quite a bit more than most projected global averages, so it becomes very apparent that these facilities can be something of a saving grace for Canada.

So, the cat is out of the bag — there is a serious substance abuse and mental health problem afflicting Canadian citizens, and there is no question that those afflicted should do what they can to get themselves some help. One of the only remaining questions then becomes, “private rehab vs public rehab?”

This question is an important one. Once you’ve decided that you or a loved one truly do need to engage in the drug rehab process, choosing private rehab vs public rehab can be all the difference between placing yourself in an environment that works for you and is conducive to your treatment, and an environment that is uncomfortable and does nothing but hinder your progress.