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 Centres BC: Opioid and Outpatient Care

Home

British Columbia

When you’re ready to start recovery, trust one of BC’s most established care providers for opioid use disorder.

Whether you’re taking your first steps or have been in treatment for opioid use disorder for years, our friendly and caring staff are ready to help you take control of your health.

CATC operates addiction treatment centres across BC with six convenient clinic locations offering same-day, government-funded opioid use disorder treatment. Our care teams have been supporting British Columbians through substance use disorder recovery for over 20 years, with evidence-based, medication-assisted treatment available 365 days a year.

All clinic visits and medications related to opioid treatment are covered in BC at no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients. Our teams provide judgment-free care at every stage of recovery, from your first appointment through to long-term support.

Addiction Treatment in BC: Why Accessible Care Matters

British Columbia is at the centre of Canada’s drug toxicity crisis. 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 overdose deaths across the province.

Accessible, same-day addiction treatment is not a convenience in this context. It is a lifesaving necessity. CATC’s BC clinics are designed around that reality, with walk-in access, no referral required, and government-funded care that removes financial barriers for eligible patients. When someone is ready to seek help, we believe waiting should never be what stands in the way.

Judgment and Barrier-Free

Friendly and respectful staff
provide a welcoming environment.

Same-Day Intake

Your treatment starts on the same day and we are open 365 days a year.

Complete Care

We provide complete care at all stages of your recovery.

Testimonials from local patients

“The staff is exceptional… The support staff, doctors and counsellors. I have also met many lifelong friends at the clinic. I really don’t know where I would be today without the help of the clinic. To be honest… probably not here at all. A huge thank you to everyone who has made such a huge impact in my life at the clinic.” -Patient from Lower Mainland Drug Freedom

Recover with Confidence

Learn about medication assisted treatment options for opioid use disorder.

Starting Your Opioid Treatment

Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) is the clinical standard for treating opioid use disorder in Canada. It involves taking a prescribed medication that acts on the same brain receptors as opioids, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the harmful effects of illicit drug use. OAT allows people to stabilize their health and daily life while working toward long-term recovery. CATC’s BC clinics offer same-day access to OAT with no referral required.

Learn more about Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT), an effective medication-assisted treatment.

Methadone Treatment

Methadone is a long-acting, Health Canada-approved medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the euphoric effects of illicit opioids, allowing people to stabilize their lives and engage more fully in recovery. In BC, methadone treatment at CATC clinics is government-funded with no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients.

Learn more about methadone treatment for opioid addiction.

Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone®) Treatment

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms while blocking the effects of other opioids. Combined with naloxone in Suboxone, it is widely prescribed as a take-home medication, making it a flexible and accessible option for many people in treatment for opioid use disorder. CATC’s BC clinics offer buprenorphine treatment with same-day intake and ongoing physician support, covered under BC’s government-funded treatment program for eligible patients.

Learn more about Buprenorphine, a pill medication to treat opioid addiction.

Sublocade® Treatment

Sublocade is a once-monthly injectable form of buprenorphine designed for the treatment of moderate to severe opioid use disorder. Because it is administered by a healthcare provider rather than taken daily, it removes the need to manage daily medication and can reduce the risk of missed doses, making it a strong option for people who find daily oral medication difficult to maintain. Sublocade is currently available at select CATC BC clinic locations.

Learn more about Sublocade, an injectable form of buprenorphine, which helps you recover from OUD.

Opioid Use During Pregnancy

Opioid use disorder during pregnancy requires specialized care that protects both the mother and the baby. Attempting to stop opioids abruptly during pregnancy is not recommended, as withdrawal can be harmful to the developing baby. According to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, opioid agonist therapy with methadone or buprenorphine is the recommended first-line treatment during pregnancy. CATC’s clinics provide compassionate, non-judgmental support for pregnant patients, with care coordinated to protect both mother and baby throughout treatment and beyond.

Learn more about Opioid Use Disorder and Treatment during pregnancy.

Hepatitis C Treatment

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that disproportionately affects people who use drugs, particularly those who inject. CATC offers same-day Hepatitis C screening and treatment at many of our BC clinic locations, providing an accessible pathway to care for people who might not otherwise seek it. Current medications for Hepatitis C are highly effective, with cure rates above 95% in most cases, and treatment is available as part of your care at our clinics.

Learn more about our Hepatitis C treatment programs which provides the same-day screening.

Our Compassionate Team is Waiting For You

Our compassionate team includes physicians, pharmacists, nurses, counsellors and staff experienced in addiction treatment. In addition to various Opioid Use Disorder treatment programs, they offer*:

Counselling Services
Doctors’ Services
Pharmacy Services
Naloxone Kits
Kadian Treatment: Kadian is an extended-release morphine medication used in some opioid treatment programs.

Call Now: (877)937-2282

*Not all services are available at every clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is addiction treatment free in BC? Yes. In British Columbia, there is no out-of-pocket cost for clinic visits, medications, or tests related to opioid use disorder treatment at CATC’s clinics. Additional fees may apply for services not covered by MSP. Financial relief is available on an as-needed basis. Our team can walk you through your coverage before you begin.

Where are CATC’s addiction treatment centres in BC? CATC operates six outpatient opioid treatment clinic locations across BC.Call our intake line or complete the contact form on this page and our team will help you find the closest location to you.

Do I need a referral to start addiction treatment in BC? No. You can self-refer by calling our intake line or completing the contact form on this page. Same-day intake is available, meaning you can start treatment the day you reach out. Our clinics are open 365 days a year.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment for opioid addiction? Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) uses Health Canada-approved medications including methadone, buprenorphine (Suboxone), and Sublocade to reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and lower the risk of relapse and overdose. MAT is the clinical standard for opioid use disorder and is available at CATC’s BC clinics. It is most effective when combined with counselling and ongoing support.

Can I access virtual addiction treatment from BC? Yes. CATC’s Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program is available to BC residents with a reliable internet connection. Sessions are delivered through a secure, encrypted platform and are typically scheduled in the evenings to fit around daily commitments. The virtual program includes individual counselling, group therapy, and aftercare support. Learn more about our virtual program.

What should I expect at my first appointment? Your first visit begins with a confidential assessment with one of our physicians. We’ll take time to understand your situation, discuss your treatment options, and develop a care plan that fits your needs. Same-day treatment can begin at that first appointment. Our teams are trained to provide care that is respectful, non-judgmental, and focused on your health and goals.

What other services do BC clinics offer beyond opioid treatment? In addition to opioid use disorder treatment, many of our BC clinics offer counselling services, doctors’ services, pharmacy services, naloxone kits, and Hepatitis C screening and treatment. Not all services are available at every location. Our intake team can confirm what is available at the clinic closest to you.

Accredited for Excellence in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Our clinics go above and beyond to put our patients first, always. We are accredited by Accreditation Canada, recently receiving a ‘with commendation’ as a direct result of our focus on quality and patient experience.

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