How a small First Nation is treating addictions close to home

A small First Nation in Cape Breton has taken the lead in treating addictions by keeping its residents close to home. 

In Wagmatcook, if you're struggling with an addiction, you don't have to leave the community. In fact, for some, you only have to go to one building — the Wagmatcook Health Centre. 

The centre's holistic approach means patients can see a physician, community health nurse, social worker and dietitian, all in one place. 

"I call it one-stop shopping. You can come in and see one person and you can be transferred to the next person all on the same day," said Elaine Allison, the director of the health centre.

"We're all in the circle of care together, so we're able to work together and make the best for that client to help them through these times."

That's a sharp contrast to how many residents were getting help in the past. Residents often had to travel more than hour to Sydney or North Sydney to access services related to addictions. 

The centre focuses on primary health care to treat people with addictions. That means patients get to see a family doctor that they know and get treatment for addiction as well as whatever other ailments they may have, like asthma or arthritis.