Addiction Services in Vancouver, Where to Start?
There are numerous drug rehab Vancouver centres to consider, but finding the right program can be challenging. With detox, inpatient, outpatient, or addiction counselling, where does one start? And what is the best treatment for the individual you are trying to help?
On this page, we aim to give you some guidelines that can help shed some light and make your search easier. Don’t hesitate to call if you need help. We work across Canada. If you’ed like more information on us, please see our About Page.
To begin, here’s a compilation of subsidized treatment centres in Vancouver for those looking for public access services.
Public Access Addiction Services in Vancouver
First Nations Health Authority
501 – 100 Park Royal South
Coast Salish Territory
West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2
Phone: (604) 693-6500 – Toll-free: 1 866-913-0033
Website: www.fnha.ca
Charlford House Society for Women
PO Box 44077, Burnaby, BC V5B 4Y2, Canada
Administration: (604) 420-6601
Pacifica Treatment Centre Society
Located in Vancouver, B.C.,
Close to Main / Commercial Skytrain Station
1-866-446-0668 (24hrs)
Turning Point Recovery Program
7000 Minoru Blvd,
Richmond, BC V6Y 3Z5
(604) 303-6844
MORE
Union Gospel Mission(UGM)
601 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6A 1J7
(604) 253-3323
Medically Monitored Withdrawal (Fraser Health)
Individuals at risk of medical complications or severe withdrawal symptoms. Phone: (604) 587-3755
Vancouver Detox
377 East 2nd Avenue, Vancouver, V5T 1B9, BC, Canada
Access Central Detox Referral Line: 1 866-658-1221
For more options in funded services, please call 211 British Columbia at 2-1-1 or (1-888-484-3211)
Drug Rehab Vancouver
The First Step is Detox – Two Choices Exist in Canada
Who Needs Medical Detox?
Medical detox is a structured and supervised process that helps individuals safely manage withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing certain substances. It is typically the first step in addiction treatment and provides medical support and monitoring.
Medical detox is necessary for individuals physically dependent on some substances. For example, benzodiazepines, heavy alcohol use, and other drugs that produce severe withdrawal symptoms. These can vary in intensity and duration depending on the substance involved and the individual’s overall health and usage patterns.
It’s important to note that medical detox is not limited to substance use disorders. It may also be necessary for individuals who have become physically dependent on certain medications. Due to chronic pain or other medical reasons, high-dose opioids and other drugs may have been prescribed.
Another is a Natural or Regular Detox, and Who is It For?
A natural or regular detox is discontinuing substance use without medication or medical interventions. It involves the management of withdrawal symptoms through non-pharmacological means. Non-medical detox is typically suited for individuals with mild or moderate withdrawal symptoms, including discomfort, irritability, restlessness, and cravings. It is also suited to those who do not have a compromised overall health condition.
Drug Rehab Vancouver
What is The Perfect Treatment Plan?
Ideally, a treatment centre should provide the detox step in-house. This avoids any loss of time between detox and addiction treatment while securing the person’s sobriety. Some centres will outsource the detox portion.
That being said, you should check if the facility offers detox within the program. Suppose they do not, inquire if the transition is a well-established routine with minimum wasted time. Preferably, once the person finishes detox, they can transfer to the program immediately. As the saying goes: Idle hands are the devil’s playground.
It would be best to inquire about their aftercare or continuing care options. It should aim to help individuals maintain their recovery and prevent relapse. It addresses the ongoing challenges and potential triggers individuals may face as they transition back into their daily lives.
Some centres offer alumni programs for their graduates. If the facility in Vancouver does not have anything set up for this, there are outpatient treatments, addiction counsellors, and support groups such as AA or NA.
What types of therapies are used in drug rehabilitation?
Drug rehab Vancouver centres use various therapies to address the complex factors contributing to substance use disorders. Here are some commonly used treatments in drug rehabilitation:
- Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with substance use. It aims to develop healthier coping mechanisms, enhance problem-solving skills, and promote relapse prevention strategies.
- Group Therapy: Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals in recovery can share their experiences, offer mutual support, and learn from one another. It promotes a sense of community, reduces feelings of isolation, and provides opportunities for interpersonal growth.
- 12-Step Facilitation: Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) emphasize self-help, peer support, and spiritual principles as a foundation for recovery. Many centres incorporate 12-step facilitation therapy into their drug rehabilitation programs to introduce individuals to the principles and practices of these fellowships.
- Faith-based programs: People of faith struggling with substance abuse are often ashamed and fear judgment. Some will have lost their faith in their higher power. By connecting through religious practice and exercise, one can overcome addiction and grow during treatment.
- Contingency management: is a tehavioural therapy where an individual is reinforced or rewarded for positive behavioural change. It may often involve providing special opportunities or winning prizes. CBT often accompanies this type of program.
- Holistic Therapies: these approaches consider the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – in promoting health, wellness, and healing. They can include mindfulness meditation, yoga, art therapy, music therapy, acupuncture, and equine therapy. Some drug rehabilitation programs integrate these alongside other therapies. These approaches promote overall well-being, self-expression, stress reduction, and emotional healing. MORE ON DIFFERENT THERAPIES HERE.
How long does drug rehabilitation typically last in Vancouver?
The duration of drug rehabilitation can vary depending on several factors. The individual’s specific needs, the severity of their addiction, the type of treatment program, and their progress throughout the program are all factors. While there is no fixed specific duration, drug rehab programs generally fall within the following range for residential treatments:
- Short-term programs: varies from 21 to 28 days
- Long-term rehab: ranges from 60 days to several months or even a year.
There are also
- Outpatient treatment programs,
- addiction counselling and
- recovery coaching.
The frequency of sessions can vary to the individual’s needs, with some programs offering daily or weekly sessions.
Drug Rehab Vancouver and Cost
Drug rehab Vancouver centres pricing can vary depending on several factors. These include the program type, treatment duration, level of care provided, and specific amenities and services offered. In Vancouver, the cost can range between $7,000 and $30,000.
There are some payment options to consider:
- Payment plans, some centres will have those,
- Medical Financing by companies specializing in medical expenses, and
- Insurance coverage
The major pitfall with public access to drug and alcohol treatment is the lack of beds which produces wait times.
If you need help to decide on which plan is best for you, please get in touch with us. We service all of BC.
Marc J. Bernard
Author,
Substance Use Disorder & Recovery Professional,
Referral & Consultation Counsellor
