The opioid crisis is a tragic and growing issue across Canada.

Today in Sudbury, the provincial government announced its investing $1.6 million to bring more care and treatment to the northeast.

This provincial funding announcement is an investment in people who are battling opioid addiction. Sudbury Liberal MPP Glenn Thibault says it is important to address how the crisis is affecting people different parts of the province.

 “The needs of Sudbury are different than Toronto. The needs of Nipissing are different than the needs of Sudbury.” said Thibeault.

Rapid Access Addiction Medicine clinics, known as RAAM, will be opened in North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie, with another location to be determined for communities further north.  Sudbury has had one for over a year.

“It's a scary thing to think about withdrawing because of the physical dependence and the chemical dependence on substances, and what RAAMs offer is medically supported withdrawal treatment, so anti-craving medication and safer alternatives to what the person is addicted to.” said Maureen McLelland of Health Sciences North.

24-year-old Alicia Reid shared her story of a four-year addiction after being prescribed morphine for severe abdominal pain and attacks.

“Iwas almost a prisoner in my own home. I wasn't able to work I wasn't able to go to school. My outings with friends were very minimal.” said Reid.

She was able to get help from the RAAM clinic in Sudbury.

“Now that I am on the other medication, my life has done a complete 180 and I am taking back control of my life. I am extremely excited about it.” said Reid.

Sudbury doctor, Mike Franklyn, treated Reid. He also mentors other physicians in treating opioid addiction.

“We see it ruin lives every day, so whether people use street drugs or they become dependent on addictive prescribed opioids and then they are cut off. People have habits from $2,400 a day, so their life becomes consumed with either getting the money to buy the drugs or either being in withdrawal or intoxicated from the drugs.” said Franklyn.

Dr.Franklyn says it's a scary time right now with street opioids being laced with illegal Chinese fentanyl, which is causing fatal overdoses. He believes there is an absolute need for these clinics.