Addiction treatment on Vancouver Island in Victoria, BC

Frequently Asked Questions

• 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.

• 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.

• Do you facilitate drug or alcohol interventions in Victoria?

  Yes, we facilitate invitational interventions in Victoria, BC, and also in Vancouver, Nanaimo, and anywhere on Vancouver Island or 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 Victoria, BC.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. 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)

  • Urgent Care Health Clinics 
  • Community Medical Detox
  • Stabilization
  • Addiction Medicine Consult Service 
  • Sober Living Housing
  • Adult Out Patient Treatment Clinic
  • RAAC - Rapid Access Addiction Clinic 
  • RAS - Recovery Addiction Support 

  Youth Addiction Services (Government Funded)

  • Discovery Youth & Family Substance Use Services 

  Mental Health & Psychiatric Services (Government Funded)

  • USTAT - Urgent and Adult Short Term Assessment & Treatment 
  • Victoria Mental Health 
  • Psychiatric Emergency Services - PES
  • Anxiety Disorders Clinic

  First Nations Services

  • Victoria Native Friendship Centre — Victoria, BC 
  • Songhees Wellness Centre — Victoria, BC 
  • First Nations Health Authority — British Columbia 
  • Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society — Lantzville, BC

  Non-Profit Services

  • Victoria Cool Aid Society — Victoria, BC
  • Umbrella Society — Victoria, BC
  • REES Program — Victoria, BC

  Legal Services

  • Legal Aid
  • Dial-A-Law - People’s Law School 
  • British Columbia Law Institute 

  Family Support

  • Families for Addiction Recovery Canada
  • SMART Recovery for Families

  Sober Activities

  • Sober Sports Victoria — Committed to providing a safe, fun, and supportive atmosphere for participants to enjoy the benefits of sport, recreation, and physical activity. Offers equal access to all interested participants by attempting to remove the barriers that often hinder participation. Sober Sports Victoria wants to help those in recovery develop a recovery lifestyle that is healthy, meaningful, and enjoyable.
  • The New Social — Sober and Alcohol Free Gatherings and Experiences. The New Social started with the intention of building connections in the sober and recovery communities, as well as to help de-stigmatize alcohol use.

Drug & Alcohol Trends in BC