Does CATC treat addictions to substances other than opioids?

CATC is currently focused on treating Opioid Use Disorder. That said, our patients often present addiction to opioids and other substances, i.e., alcohol, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Our expert addiction treatment specialists support them in meeting their personal recovery goals.

How do I get started on a Methadone or Buprenorphine program?

CATC offers same-day intake appointments in all our centres. We recognize that when you are ready to start your recovery journey, we need to be ready to support you. From our location page, select the location that is nearest to you and then either walk-in or call 1-877-937-2282 to start your intake virtually.

What should I expect during an intake appointment?

Our Intake appointments usually range from 60-90 minutes. Our CARE team will capture your medical history, discuss medication options, share information on how the treatment program works, and prepare for your initial assessment with an expert addiction medicine physician. You do not need a referral to start on our programs, walk-ins are welcomed. You will be asked to present your provincial health card to see a physician.

What are the costs of the program?

Our programs are usually delivered at no cost to the patient. In some cases, patients may have to pay for their medications or counseling services that are not covered by their provincial health plans. Our CARE teams will work with you to help determine the best plan to get the costs of your care covered.

How can I ensure that my personal information is kept confidential?

All client information is considered confidential. We will not release your personal health information to anyone without signed consent from you unless it is required by law.

I recently found out I was pregnant and need help; can I use Methadone to help with my withdrawal?

Methadone is a safe and effective way to manage opiate dependency during pregnancy. Treatment with Methadone prevents opioid withdraw, which can be dangerous for your baby. View our resource on Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy.

When can I expect to be free of my opioid addiction with treatment?

Addiction is a chronic and relapsing condition. Every patient, depending on their history and recovery goals, will take a unique recovery journey. The ultimate goal of the program is to improve our patient’s quality of life across many dimensions – including ensuring the presence of a home, a job, and a friend for those who have lost so much because of their addiction. Methadone and Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone®), when taken as prescribed, are safe and effective medications. This decision to taper off these medications should be made with your physician to ensure the best chance of success for you and prevent sudden onset withdrawal. People who are most successful at tapering off treatment, have generally been abstinent from illicit drugs for more than a year and are demonstrating a high level of functional stability, i.e., gainfully employed, presence of positive/supportive social relationships.

How often do I have to come to the treatment centre?

Your visit frequency will change as your stability increases. In early recovery, you will see your doctor 1-2 times a week to get your dose adjusted and you will see your pharmacist daily for the first 2-3 months. As your drug use declines, you will see your physician less – usually 1 time per month and visit your pharmacist 2-4 times per month. CATC offers integrated medical and pharmacy services, so there is no need to visit multiple locations.

When can I get my medications to take at home?

Once you have been on the program for 4-8 weeks you may be eligible for take-home doses. You will start with one dose, and as you gain stability these will increase. There are clinical guidelines that our physicians follow to determine take-home eligibility; physicians also utilize their clinical judgment based on your specific situation.

How often do I have to complete a urine drug screen during treatment?

Frequency of Urine Drug Screens also changes as you become more and more stable. In the first few months of treatment, you will be required to produce a urine sample 1-2 times per week to help the physician understand your use patterns. We also use urine drug screens to ensure that you are taking the medication that is being prescribed, as diversion of prescription medications is common. In some cases, your physician will ask for a random urine drug screen; this practice helps us identify and prevent any unsuspected medication diversion that may be occurring.

If I use drugs while on the program, am I kicked off?

Absolutely not. We recognize drug use and relapses are part of the recovery journey. It is important to remember that using other drugs while on Methadone or Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone®) can be dangerous. There have been reported deaths because of the combination of Methadone with alcohol, opioids, cocaine, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and/or tranquilizers. If you have been prescribed or are using other medications, please disclose this to your CATC physician so they can make an informed decision on your treatment.

Do you recommend Methadone or Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone®)?

The best medication for you is based on many factors and the decision should be made with advice from your physician. Both medications have their pros and cons and there is emerging evidence that medication choice should be influenced by the amount and type of opiates that are being used. In a recent survey of our patients, 67% of those who had tried both medications said Methadone worked best for them. This is consistent with data reported from other countries. Because CATC offers several medication types, you can always transition between medication types to see what works for you. Have a specific question? Please call us at 1-877-937-2282 or email info@canatc.ca.

Addiction Treatment Vancouver: Confidential, Holistic Care That Fits Your Life

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Addiction Treatment Vancouver: Confidential, Holistic Care That Fits Your Life

Addiction Treatment Vancouver: Confidential, Holistic Care That Fits Your Life

Living in Vancouver means balancing a demanding career with the West Coast lifestyle so many of us value, whether that’s hiking the North Shore mountains, cycling the seawall, or finding calm in a yoga studio. But when substance use starts interfering with that balance, it can feel overwhelming to know where to turn.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to seek help, you’re not alone. In British Columbia, addiction is recognized as a health condition, not a personal failing. Many Vancouver residents have found recovery through evidence-based treatment that respects their privacy and fits their lifestyle.

This guide covers how Vancouver’s approach to addiction care can work for you, the treatment options available from residential to virtual care, what to expect with costs, insurance, and confidentiality, and the real next steps you can take today.

If you’re ready to talk sooner, our confidential intake line is available 24 hours a day at (855) 937-5020.

Why Vancouver-Specific Care Matters

Vancouver faces significant challenges when it comes to substance use. According to the BC Coroners Service, unregulated drug toxicity is the leading cause of death for British Columbians aged 10 to 59, accounting for more deaths than homicides, suicides, accidents, and natural disease combined. Fentanyl and its analogues were detected in 78% of toxicological tests in BC in 2024, continuing to drive the province’s overdose crisis.

But Vancouver has also led North America in progressive, health-focused responses to addiction. The city is home to Insite, North America’s first supervised consumption site, which has reversed more than 11,856 overdoses with zero fatalities on site. Vancouver provides widespread naloxone access, safe supply programs, and has long treated addiction as a health condition that deserves compassionate, evidence-based care.

What makes Vancouver’s approach to recovery distinctive is its blend of medical excellence and West Coast wellness traditions. Treatment here often incorporates outdoor therapy, mindfulness and meditation practices, Indigenous healing circles and cultural safety programming, nutrition counselling, and fitness programs that reconnect body and mind.

Recovery in Vancouver combines proven medical science with the holistic wellness approach that defines our city.

Our Vancouver Treatment Process

Getting help shouldn’t feel complicated. Here’s how our treatment process works.

Step 1: Confidential Intake and Same-Day Assessment

Your journey starts with a confidential conversation. Call our 24-hour intake line or schedule a secure video assessment with a licensed clinician. No referral is needed, and there’s no judgment, just a compassionate professional who will listen to your situation and help determine the right level of care. This assessment covers your substance use history, mental health, lifestyle, and personal goals. Within the same day, you’ll receive a personalized recommendation for the type of program that best fits your needs.

Step 2: Personalized Plans: Outpatient or Virtual

Based on your assessment, we’ll recommend the pathway that best fits your circumstances.

Outpatient programs allow you to keep working and living at home while attending day or evening sessions. This works well when you have strong support at home and can manage daily life while in recovery.

Virtual care brings treatment to you through secure video sessions that fit your schedule. This is well-suited for busy professionals or those who prefer the privacy of recovering from home. All virtual programs are led by the same licensed clinicians as our in-person services.

Medication-assisted treatment is available at all levels of care.

Step 3: Evidence-Based Therapies

Your treatment plan draws from proven therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to identify and change harmful thought patterns, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for emotional regulation and distress tolerance, trauma-informed counselling that addresses underlying pain, and family therapy to rebuild relationships and create lasting support.

Step 4: Holistic West Coast Supports

Beyond traditional therapy, your program may include yoga and mindfulness sessions, guided hiking groups on local trails, Indigenous-led healing circles with cultural safety at the forefront, nutrition counselling with registered dietitians, fitness programs designed for all ability levels, and art and music therapy for creative expression. These aren’t optional add-ons. They’re integral parts of healing that address the whole person.

Step 5: Long-Term Aftercare and Alumni Network

Recovery doesn’t end when formal treatment does. Our comprehensive aftercare includes weekly virtual support groups throughout your first year, return-to-work coaching to help you re-enter your professional life, relapse-prevention planning with ongoing check-ins, alumni community events, and 24-hour access to crisis support when you need it most.

Program Options at a Glance

Not sure which program fits your life? Here’s a quick comparison to help you think it through.

Inpatient treatment typically runs 30 to 90 days and provides high-intensity 24-hour support and structure. It tends to be most appropriate for more severe addiction, multiple substances, or when the home environment doesn’t support recovery.

Outpatient treatment typically runs 12 to 16 weeks with moderate intensity, usually three to five sessions per week. It works well for maintaining work and family obligations when you have strong support at home and are motivated for change.

Virtual programs offer flexible scheduling, typically eight to twelve weeks, with two to four sessions per week. This is a strong fit for busy professionals, those with privacy concerns, or people in areas without convenient access to in-person care.

Pricing, Insurance, and Confidentiality

Cost shouldn’t be a barrier to getting help. Here’s what you need to know.

BC residents may qualify for publicly funded treatment through Vancouver Coastal Health. Our intake team can help determine your eligibility and guide you through the process. Many extended health plans cover addiction treatment. We can direct-bill many insurers and provide detailed invoices for reimbursement. Employee Assistance Programs often provide coverage as well. For those without coverage, we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment plans.

Your privacy is protected. All records are stored in PHIPA-compliant secure systems. Billing appears discreetly on statements. We never share information without your explicit written consent, not with employers, not with family, not with anyone.

You deserve support that meets you with dignity. Financial concerns shouldn’t stand between you and the care you need.

What Recovery Can Look Like

Many people who have completed our programs describe returning to careers they value, rebuilding family relationships, and rediscovering parts of life that addiction had crowded out. Recovery looks different for everyone, and we don’t believe in measuring it by a single standard.

Some people come to us managing high-pressure professional lives where substance use developed as a coping mechanism. Others are balancing caregiving responsibilities alongside their own recovery. Some are healthcare workers navigating burnout alongside addiction. Whatever your circumstances, our programs are built around your life, not a generic template.

What clients consistently tell us is that having a team that treated them with dignity and without judgment made it possible to be honest, and that honesty made recovery possible.

Talk to Our Intake Team

You’ve taken a meaningful step by reading this far. Our intake specialists are available 24 hours a day to listen, answer questions, and help you understand your options, with no pressure and complete confidentiality.

When you call, we’ll discuss your current situation and immediate needs, which program options fit your circumstances, insurance coverage, and financial resources, how quickly we can support you, and what to expect in the first days of treatment.

Call: (855) 937-5020
Available 24 hours a day. Or schedule a confidential assessment online.

This content is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult qualified professionals for personalized guidance about your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. You can self-refer by calling our intake team or completing the online form.

Will treatment disrupt my work schedule?
Outpatient and virtual programs are designed around evening and weekend sessions so you can keep working.

Is medication-assisted treatment optional?
Yes. Our clinicians discuss the benefits and will always respect your choice. All treatment plans are individualized.

What if I have co-occurring mental health issues?
We provide integrated psychiatric support and can coordinate with your existing providers. Co-occurring mental health conditions are very common among people seeking addiction treatment, and we address both together.

How much does inpatient treatment cost?
Costs vary by length of stay and program. Our intake team will provide a transparent quote and discuss financing or insurance coverage with no hidden fees.

Is my information kept private?
Yes. Records are stored in secure, PHIPA-compliant systems and billing is discreet. We never share your information without your explicit written consent.

Can family members be involved?
We encourage healthy support networks. Family therapy sessions and education workshops are available throughout your program.

What happens after I finish the program?
You transition into our aftercare program with ongoing virtual group support, individual check-ins, and access to alumni events and community resources.