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The statistics on mental illness and addiction in Canada are shocking, and there is a need for effective treatment programs that address both issues at the same time. Many rehabs in Canada are government run or operated by charitable organizations, and these usually operate on a shoe string budget. A dual diagnosis and treatment for both mental illness and addiction is typically more difficult and more expensive, and these individuals often fall through the cracks and go untreated for at least one of their conditions. The statistics show that:

• One out of five Canadians will struggle with a mental disorder or addiction.
• 20% of Canadians who have a mental disorder also have substance abuse and addiction issues as well.
• Teens and young adults who are between the age of 15 and 24 are the most likely to experience either mental illness, addiction, or both. This is the age group that is most at risk.
• 7 out of 10 individuals who have a mental disorder will experience the onset of this problem while they are in their teens.
• Mental illness accounts for 15% of the medical burden in Canada, but this category of disease receives less than 6% of the annual healthcare dollars spent in the country.
• Low income individuals are between 3 and 4 times more likely to have poor mental health, but they are less likely to seek help for mental illness when compared to the highest income group.
• Roughly 1 in 3 Canadians who ask for mental health treatment do not have their treatment needs met.