Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic
What this Program does…
The Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic serves those with substance abuse issues, primarily addictions to opioids and alcohol. The purpose of the clinic is to provide quick access to care for addiction issues, including assessments, counselling and prescriptions for medications that may help with lessening cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The RAAM Clinic will also help patients to navigate access to other addiction services in our community and provide support through transitions.
How this Program helps…
The RAAM Clinic helps those with alcohol and substance use disorders in a timely way after they are in crisis by:
- Offering rapid assessment: Patients will be seen by an addiction worker within 24 hours after referral. Patients will be screened and assessed for substance use disorder, with a treatment and medication plan implemented.
- Offering pharmacological treatment: While not everyone with addictions requires pharmacological treatment, some may benefit from prescription medications that may help with lessening cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, the RAAM Clinic will support family physicians to ensure they are able to help with pharmacological treatment for addictions. An example of a pharmacological treatment for addiction is the prescribing of anti-craving or abstinence medications.
- Offering connections to community treatment programs: The RAAM Clinic will help patients successful connect with community-based mental health and addiction services. The clinic addiction worker will help the patient navigate through the transitioning to community programs.
Your Care Team
The RAAM Clinic's care team includes addiction workers and doctors. Some patients will only be seen by addiction workers, some by both an addiction worker and a doctor.
Contact us
Walk-in Hours: Wednesdays 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Referral process
The RAAM Clinic is by appointment only. Initially, the RAAM Clinic will focus on patients who are at high risk and most in need of the service. The RAAM clinic will work closely with emergency services which includes Emergency Department, COAST, and Withdrawal Management programs and referrals will be prioritized based on need. Clients are ages 16 and older.
A referral form can be obtained by clicking here.
To self-refer please call the RAAM clinic at (905) 522-1155 ext. 35800.
Preparing for your visit
Please bring your health card and a list of medications you are taking to your appointment.
Maps and directions
The RAAM Clinic
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
225 James Street South
Hamilton, ON L8P 3B2
The RAAM Clinic is located in the portable building located on the corner of James Street South and Charlton Avenue East.