Considering Drug And Alcohol Treatment In Vancouver? You Have Options
Vancouver is a vibrant city celebrated for its modern skyline, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Yet, like many urban centres, it also grapples with significant substance use and addiction challenges.
Amidst the stunning landscapes and thriving communities, there is a pressing need for comprehensive support systems to help individuals on their journey to recovery.
Fortunately, Vancouver is home to an extensive range of addiction treatment services and experts.
The city offers a variety of recovery options, including alcohol and drug counsellors, therapists specializing in addiction, online treatment programs, and interventionists. Those seeking help can access services such as psychological counseling, detox programs for both alcohol and drugs, inpatient rehab, and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). Additionally, Vancouver provides a robust selection of mental health and psychiatric services, along with numerous community-based support groups.
These services are accessible through private providers, non-profit organizations, and publicly-funded government agencies. Vancouver also offers specialized programs tailored for Indigenous communities, individuals with disabilities, military personnel, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and those with low incomes, ensuring that a broad spectrum of needs is met across the city.
Unlock Your Addiction Recovery Potential in Vancouver, BC with Michael Walsh
In Vancouver, BC, Michael Walsh stands out as a leading expert in substance use and addiction, offering personalized and collaborative private recovery services.
Micheal’s approach empowers individuals and their loved ones to overcome substance use challenges and embark on a journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Whether you need support for alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, opiates, or prescription medication use, Michael's services are designed to assist not only individuals but also families, employers, treatment centers, and various organizations.
Operating out of Vancouver, BC, Michael Walsh and his team provide in-person support, with virtual services available across Canada and internationally, ensuring that those seeking recovery in Vancouver and beyond have access to the guidance and care they need.
Learn more about Michael Walsh below, or contact Michael now to take the first step towards a brighter future.
Michael Walsh: Substance Use & Addictions Specialist in Vancouver, BC
In Vancouver, BC, where the challenges of addiction are ever-present, specialists like Michael Walsh are instrumental in offering essential support and services to those in need.
Since 2014, Michael Walsh has been a leading figure in substance use and addiction recovery, leveraging both his professional expertise and personal experience to guide others on their recovery journeys.
Michael provides a range of collaborative solutions, including Recovery Coaching, Alcohol Interventions, and Family Consulting, all grounded in the CRAFT Model of Addiction. His services are designed to assist individuals who want to reassess their relationship with alcohol or other substances, whether they wish to take a break, reduce their use, or quit altogether.
Michael is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of addiction and recovery through in-person and virtual support options.
With offices in Vancouver, BC, and virtual support accessible nationwide and globally, Michael Walsh and his team are here to assist those seeking recovery in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and across the Greater Vancouver area.
Providing Recovery Support in Vancouver, BC
Michael Walsh offers a safe, confidential environment where you can openly discuss your challenges with substance use. Our approach is rooted in personal experience, and we are here to guide you through the options available for recovery. Get in touch for an honest conversation.
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1-888-308-0002
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“Michael helped me regain the trust of my family and friends and I feel really good about my future – substance-free.”
B.K.
Complete Recovery Solutions in Vancouver, BC
Michael and his team offer extensive recovery support and guidance, partnering closely with professionals, legal experts, and families in Vancouver, BC.
Our mission is to help individuals and their loved ones address substance use, addiction, and mental health challenges. We work alongside medical and clinical professionals, provide support in legal matters, assist with family trusts, family businesses, and employer-related concerns. Our dedicated team is committed to delivering personalized solutions that meet your specific needs and circumstances.
Is Recovery Coaching right for you? Click here to see if you fit the client profile for who could benefit from a Recovery Coach.
Professional Collaboration
In Vancouver, we focus on collaboration to support addiction treatment and the recovery goals of individuals and effected families.
Our network of addiction recovery specialists includes:
- Psychotherapists
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Neuro-psychologists
- Mental health counsellors
- Psychiatric nurses
- Addiction counsellors
- Nurse practitioners
- Detox physicians
- Detox nurses
- Family and marriage counsellors
- Eating disorder professionals
This collaborative effort allows us to offer personalized recommendations and referrals that address the unique challenges faced by individuals seeking recovery in this vibrant city.
Legal Support
In Vancouver, we recognize that legal matters linked to addiction require careful handling. Our aim is to ensure that clients feel supported during these challenging times.
Our collaboration with skilled criminal and family lawyers allows us to address issues such as drug possession or trafficking with sensitivity and expertise. We focus on achieving positive outcomes for our clients by providing comprehensive legal support that aligns with their recovery goals.
Managing Addiction Within Family Businesses and Trusts
In Vancouver, the intersection of addiction and family businesses presents unique challenges that require sensitivity and expertise. We’re here to help.
We offer customized support for individuals involved in family trusts or companies impacted by substance use issues. Our approach focuses on understanding how addiction can complicate relationships and decision-making processes within families. By providing tailored guidance, we help families navigate these complexities while working towards positive resolutions that prioritize both recovery and business stability.
Navigating Addiction for Employers and Executives
In Vancouver, the impact of mental health and substance use on workplace dynamics can be profound. We work with companies and organizations to address these issues.
Our approach includes partnering with employers and executives to implement strategies that promote resilience and prevent burnout among staff. We focus on creating supportive workplace environments that address behavioural health issues while maintaining productivity.
By offering tailored resources and guidance, we aim to assist both employees struggling with addiction and organizations looking to foster a healthier, more productive workforce.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Do you offer family support?
Yes, we offer comprehensive support for families facing the challenges of alcohol use disorder, alcoholism, drug addiction, or mental health concerns.
Watching someone you love battle with these issues can be incredibly painful and emotionally-draining. As a dedicated team, we understand the complexities involved in approaching a loved one who is experiencing addiction, drug or alcohol dependency, or a mental health crisis.
We specialize in helping families overcome these challenges and provide the necessary guidance and support.
Through our specialized services, including Invitational Interventions, Family Coaching, and Family Consulting, we work closely with families to troubleshoot destructive patterns and guide their loved ones towards long-term recovery. Whether it's alcohol, cocaine, opiates, prescription medication, or mental health and psychiatric concerns, we can help.
By planning carefully and acting with intention, compassion, and care, we can successfully encourage positive change together. We are dedicated to supporting families through this difficult journey and providing the tools needed to navigate these challenges effectively.
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Do you utilize the CRAFT Model of Addiction?
Yes. The CRAFT model is a proven approach to addiction treatment that empowers family members and loved ones to support the recovery of individuals struggling with addiction.
CRAFT recognizes that addiction impacts not just the individual, but also their family members and loved ones.
Through CRAFT, we provide family members and loved ones in Victoria, BC with new communication and coping skills, helping them better manage interactions with their loved one who is facing addiction. We offer support, encouragement, and motivation for the person to seek treatment.
Key components of the CRAFT model include motivational interviewing, behavioural skills training, communication skills training, and self-care strategies. By engaging in non-judgmental conversations, teaching effective communication techniques, and providing self-care strategies, we aim to improve the quality of life for both individuals struggling with addiction and their families.
The CRAFT model has been shown to be effective in increasing the likelihood of the person with addiction seeking treatment and improving the overall well-being of families and loved ones impacted by addiction.
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Do you facilitate drug or alcohol interventions in Vancouver?
Yes, we facilitate invitational interventions in Vancouver, BC, and also anywhere in British Columbia.
An invitational intervention is a respectful approach to assisting individuals struggling with addiction or problematic behaviour. Instead of coercion or confrontation, it involves inviting and encouraging the person to seek help for their issues.
During an invitational intervention, loved ones and concerned individuals impacted by the person's behaviour engage in a conversation focused on expressing concern, showing support, and providing resources for treatment. The goal is to encourage voluntary participation in seeking help, creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
This approach differs from traditional confrontational interventions that pressure individuals into treatment. By fostering a compassionate environment, invitational interventions increase the likelihood of the person accepting help and taking steps towards recovery.
Michael Walsh and his team are experienced in facilitating invitational interventions and are dedicated to supporting individuals and their loved ones throughout the recovery journey in Vancouver, BC.
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Do you offer any home-based recovery options? How does that work?
Yes. Michael Walsh and two colleagues, Dr. Michael Berry (R. Psych), Clinical Director and owner of Resilient Health in Victoria, and Ewan Kirkaldy (MSW BSW CACC), Primary Therapist at Resilient Health, created Home Based Recovery.
HBR helps make participating in recovery activities while at home, on vacation, or travelling for work a viable option for many.
Home Based Recovery is a flexible and supportive online addiction treatment program designed to provide clients with daily psycho-educational video content and dynamic learning modules, and offers practical tools and world-class education throughout the program. Clients are matched with a Certified Recovery Coach who provides one-on-one sessions per week for six months after the core program ends. The program is tailored to fit unique schedules and needs, allowing individuals to engage in recovery activities from the comfort of their homes or while on vacation or travelling for work.
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What are the benefits of receiving addiction treatment in a home-based setting?
There are several benefits to receiving addiction treatment in a home-based setting. These include:
- Increased comfort and privacy: Many individuals feel more at ease in their own homes, reducing stress and creating a conducive environment for recovery. Home-based treatment also provides greater privacy and confidentiality, addressing concerns related to addiction stigma.
- Greater flexibility: Home-based addiction treatment programs offer more flexibility in scheduling and treatment options. This is particularly valuable for individuals with work or family responsibilities, allowing them to integrate treatment into their daily lives more effectively.
- Increased family involvement: Home-based programs often involve family members and loved ones in the recovery process. This inclusive approach benefits both the individual in treatment and their support system, fostering a more comprehensive and supportive environment.
- Cost-effectiveness: Home-based addiction treatment programs tend to be more cost-effective compared to traditional inpatient or outpatient programs. Reduced overhead costs associated with home-based settings contribute to this affordability.
- Access to support services: Home-based programs provide access to a range of support services, including counselling, therapy, and peer support groups. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may not have easy access to these services in their local area.
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Is home-based addiction treatment suitable for everyone?
While home-based addiction treatment can be a safe, supportive, and effective option, it may not be suitable for everyone.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for individual needs. Factors such as the severity of addiction, the need for a structured environment, or specific medical or mental health considerations may influence the suitability of home-based treatment. Consulting with a professional ensures that the treatment approach aligns with personal circumstances and maximizes the chances of successful recovery.
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What if private funded (paid) recovery services are out of my reach?
If private funded services are not within your financial capacity there are several publicly funded and non-profit services available in Vancouver and area. You can find helpful links below, and we would be happy to point you in the right direction if needed.
Adult Addiction Services (Government Funded)
- Vancouver Coastal Health Addiction Services
- BC Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service
- Providence Health Care - St. Paul’s Hospital Addiction Medicine Consult Team
- The Downtown Eastside (DTES) Connections Clinic
- Vancouver Detox (Access and Assessment Centre)
- Sheway Pregnancy Outreach Program
- Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre
- Fir Square Combined Care Unit - BC Women’s Hospital
Youth Addiction Services (Government Funded)
- Vancouver Coastal Health Youth Addiction Services
- Foundry Vancouver-Granville
- PLEA Community Services - Onyx Program
- Watari Youth and Family Services
- BC Children's Hospital - Adolescent Psychiatry Unit (APU)
- Peak House
- Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) - Aboriginal Youth Substance Use Program
- Eastside Works
Mental Health & Psychiatric Services (Government Funded)
- Vancouver Coastal Health - Mental Health & Substance Use Services
- Access and Assessment Centre (AAC)
- Foundry Vancouver-Granville
- BC Children's Hospital - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program
- St. Paul’s Hospital - Mental Health Program
- Community Mental Health Teams (Vancouver Coastal Health)
- Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre
- Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC
- Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) - Mental Health Program
- North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic (NSSAC)
First Nations Services
- Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA)
- Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS)
- Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS)
- First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
- Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society
- Métis Family Services
Non-Profit Services
- The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Vancouver-Fraser Branch
- Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS)
- Battered Women's Support Services (BWSS)
- The Lookout Housing and Health Society
- Kiwassa Neighbourhood House
- Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA)
- PHS Community Services Society
- Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV)
Legal Services
- Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
- Legal Services Society (LSS)
- British Columbia Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA)
- West Coast Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF)
- Access Pro Bono Society of BC
- Disability Alliance BC (DABC)
- Pivot Legal Society
Family Support
- Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV)
- Vancouver Coastal Health - Family Support Services
- Foundry Vancouver-Granville
- British Columbia Schizophrenia Society (BCSS)
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Vancouver-Fraser Branch
- Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR)
- Parent Support Services Society of BC
- North Shore Mental Health and Addiction Services
Sober Activities
- SMART Recovery Vancouver – Provides support for individuals seeking to maintain sobriety through self-management and recovery training. They offer meetings and workshops focusing on practical strategies for overcoming addiction.
- Recovery Club of Vancouver – Hosts regular sober social events, activities, and support meetings. The club provides a community space for individuals in recovery to participate in social and recreational activities.
- Phoenix Centre – The Phoenix Centre is one of many facilities that makes up the treatment and integrated addiction services The Phoenix Society provides.
- Vancouver 12-Step Groups – Includes various 12-step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and other support groups that often organize sober social events and activities.
- Vancouver Art Therapy Institute – Provides art therapy sessions and workshops for individuals in recovery. Art therapy offers a creative outlet and support for emotional well-being in a sober setting.
- MADD Vancouver (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) – Hosts events and community activities focused on promoting sober living and raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
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Drug & Alcohol Trends in BC
Analyzing the substance use trends in British Columbia sheds light on the pressing need to address drug and alcohol challenges and the importance of seeking help. By exploring these statistics, we can better understand the scope of the issue and the crucial role that addiction recovery experts like Michael Walsh play in offering comprehensive support to those in Vancouver looking to reclaim their lives.
Alcohol Consumption in British Columbia
Shedding light on the consumption landscape, the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research at the University of Victoria presents powerful statistics from 2021/22 on alcohol consumption in British Columbia. This comprehensive data covers various key categories such as overall consumption, monthly consumption, average alcohol prices, consumption by venue, and beverage type and region breakdowns.
Within the 2021/22 BC Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Monitoring Project data, the province recorded a decrease in per capita ethanol consumption among individuals aged 15 and above, dropping to 9.1L from 9.28L. On average, this translates to approximately 534 standard drinks (SDs) per person annually, including non-drinkers.
While there has been a decline from the record-high consumption in 2020/2021, BC's consumption levels remain notably higher than the Canadian average of 475 SDs per capita.
Nationally, Statistics Canada reported a decrease from 8.3L (or 487 SDs) in 2020/21 to 8.1L (475 SDs) in 2021/22. BC-specific numbers decreased from 9L (528 SDs) to 8.9L (522 SDs) during the same period. For a comprehensive study, please refer to the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research.
How do you know if you have a drinking problem? This article may be helpful.
Toxic Drug Deaths in British Columbia
Tragically, the Coroners Service of British Columbia's report highlights the alarming reality of illicit drug toxicity deaths in the province from 2012 to 2022.
In 2022 alone, over 2,200 lives were lost due to toxic drugs, marking it as the second deadliest year on record. It is crucial to note that the majority of these deaths occurred in private homes. For detailed information, please refer to the extensive report by the BC Coroners Service.
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“Michael was a pleasure to work with, a true master of his craft.”
J.B.