Connecting with Drug Rehabs in British Columbia
All drug rehab centers in British Columbia share a common goal: to help individuals achieve sobriety. It is the common denominator of any addiction services. What makes the differences between them is the methods of approach. The other difference is the environment in which this method is applied.
Approaches in Centers in British Columbia
In British Columbia, a variety of treatment approaches can be found. Below are the most common approaches an individual is likely to come across. Although this is not a complete list, it does, however, provide an idea of the options available.
Faith-based: Faith-based addiction recovery programs prioritize a spiritual foundation in the healing process. Spiritual advisors provide counselling and guidance, helping individuals find peace through faith.
Maintenance therapy: Replacement and maintenance programs have been implemented nationwide to combat substance abuse. These medical treatments involve substituting with a less euphoric opioid like methadone or buprenorphine.
Biophysical Therapy: The biophysical approach to addiction is a natural treatment program that focuses on healing the body through the use of supplements and exercise, promoting overall well-being. It may also incorporate psychological or mental wellness practices, such as yoga or meditation, to foster relaxation and support recovery. Often drug-free, this method aims to restore balance naturally.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a proven approach to overcoming substance abuse by helping individuals change their thoughts and behaviours. CBT provides tools to break addictive patterns. This treatment is available in both residential and outpatient settings and may be government-funded in some regions.
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Steps to Admission in British Columbia
Entering a drug rehab in British Columbia is not as complex as one may believe. However, it may require the person to follow a step-by-step process. In our current society, particularly in Canada, this process can be demanding.
Unfortunately, when dealing with substance misuse, the person may not have the level of patience required. Most government facilities in British Columbia will require the individual with the addiction to follow the process. In other cases, the family can take on the process and get the person into treatment. The latter applies mainly to the private sector.
In the private sector, all that is needed is a call and providing the necessary information during a preassessment. This assessment determines the level of care required for the individual and whether the facility is equipped to provide that level of care.
If the center can offer the required level of care, financing is arranged, and the person can arrive and start their recovery on the same day.
Seeking Public Access to Rehab Centers in British Columbia
Some families may not want private drug rehab centers and wish to have government-funded facilities. Although the wait time is longer, public facilities are a good choice for those seeking recovery.
You will find the coordinates for regional addiction services in BC on this page. Additionally, residents can consult official listings for assistance by visiting the link below. You will find various resources on the Island and the mainland alike:
Link: Government resources
These numbers can help for direct contact by phone:
- Lower mainland – 1 800-663-1441
- Fraser Health, Interior Health: 604-660-9382
- First Nations: 1 800-588-8717 (Across BC)
Difficulties for Families With Addiction in British Columbia
Helping a loved one arrive at a drug rehab is where most families have difficulty. The following advice is based on more than 20 years of experience in the field.
First Error Concerning Addiction
The first error that is discovered is to believe that the person must decide on their own. Although there is some truth to this, it’s not the full picture. For example, if you see your son or daughter with a 2” gash on their arm and bleeding out, you wouldn’t say, “Well, she has to decide to go to the hospital on her own.” That would be nonsense. If your son, daughter or spouse is rushed to the ER because of an overdose, they are obviously beyond the ability to decide on their own.
The other difficulty faced with giving help to a loved one who is clearly addicted is thinking they will change. Addiction does not get better; it always worsens unless addressed by professional addiction counselling. “I will stop,” or “I am not using that much,” or “I only drink to help with stress or to sleep.” All of these are false; to accept any excuse is enabling the person to a worsened state.
The Second Error in Addiction Recovery
Another challenge is adding time. Here, the person is experiencing obvious difficulties in accepting the lifestyle changes associated with treatment. The person will add more and more “important” things to do before going into rehab.
A few examples of this include the person saying they need to find a home for the dog, fix the plumbing in the house, ensure their paperwork is in order, or a thousand other reasons. All of these justify reasons why they cannot go to treatment at the moment.
When an individual has a support system, such as a caring family, reassuring them that their concerns will be addressed by the family is essential.
For more information, please visit our addiction series pages.
The Big Picture in Recovery
About Rehab Centers in British Columbia
Overall, British Columbia, as with other Canadian provinces, has its issues with substance abuse. In the last few years, this province faced its worst time in history, with opiate overdoses reaching alarming numbers.
The government introduced various proposals to address this issue. These included safe injection sites, naltrexone, education, additional treatment centers, and other resources. Despite these efforts, the substance abuse problem continues.
The real issues may seem very complex, but, all produce in any society is based on the interplay between demand and supply. If the demand is not there, the supplies dry up—a simple approach to a complex story.
The most effective and proven method in the field of addiction is education. A proper understanding of the underlying issues that push people to drugs will bring about a refusal to use drugs.
It begins in early educational settings, such as elementary school and junior high. Uncovering the source of one’s pain or discomfort and addressing that would set aside the use of drugs as a solution. Over time, the new generation will push aside mind-altering drugs.
Marc J. Bernard
Author,
Substance Use Disorder & Recovery Professional,
Referral & Consultation Counsellor
