Everything you need to know about opioid use disorder and treatment in BC
If you’re supporting or working with people affected by opioid use disorder, you probably have a lot of questions.
What is opioid use disorder, actually? How does it affect people and what does it look like? What kinds of treatment are available, and how do they work? Why are so many people dying from overdose now?
The resources on this page will walk you through some key topics related to opioid use disorder, the landscape in BC and the type of evidence-based treatment provided by Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres (CATC). You can watch the videos, download the info sheets, or both!
If you still have any questions, or want to explore how we can support you in your work, please reach out to Amanda (our Director of Operations in BC). She is passionately dedicated to helping people struggling with opioid use disorder with compassionate, barrier-free treatment at any stage of recovery.
You can reach Amanda by email or phone at 1 236-622-2055
About Amanda Claeys, M.Ed., BCBA
Director of Operations, Western Canada
In 2021 Amanda joined CATC as Director of Operations, Western Canada. Amanda’s leadership experience in health care includes Autism Treatment, Complex Behavioural Care in Facilities and Community Homes, and Home Health Services. She has focused her career on ensuring clients, patients and families have a positive experience while also providing best-practice and evidence-based treatment options.
She considers compassionate, barrier-free, treatment to be a vital part of treating addiction. She is focused on creating a seamless treatment experience for our patients and reducing the stigma of addiction.
Amanda is Board Certified Behaviour Analyst; she has a Master’s of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Arizona State University.
Helping British Columbians recover for over 20 years
With 6 clinics across the province, we provide same-day access to evidence-based opioid use disorder treatment 365 days per year. In 2023, we supported more than 1,600 patients in BC in reaching their recovery goals through person-centred, judgement-free care.
Our innovative integrated clinic care model is proven to be 4 times more effective in keeping patients on their treatment program. As the largest provider of addictions care in BC, we’re working hand-in-hand with healthcare providers, community agencies and government to make Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) more accessible for all.
Learning Resources
About CATC and How We Support People Living With Opioid Use Disorder
Learn about our mission, vision, and efforts to increase access to treatment.
Understanding Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and How Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) Works
Learn about the dangers of opioid addiction and the benefits of treatment.
Opioid Use Disorder in British Columbia:A Brief History
Learn about BC’s public health emergency and those most at risk of overdose.
Common Myths and Misunderstandings About Opioid Use Disorder
Learn to dispel common misconceptions about opioid addiction.
Harm Reduction vs Treatment: Which is Better?
Learn about available programs and our approach to care.
Why Integrated Care is More Effective
Learn about ancillary services that help support our patients’ recovery.
View our Integrated Care Model
What You Can Do to Help People Experiencing Opioid Addiction
Learn about the importance of compassion and understanding.
Let’s work together to support people living with opioid use disorder
CATC is committed to increasing access to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder. If you’re working with populations who are struggling with opioid use, we’re here to help. To explore opportunities for how we can support your work, reach out to us by filling out the form below.
Some of the ways we’re helping community partners deal with the overdose crisis in BC:
- Educational sessions for work groups on opioid use disorder and treatment
- Providing virtual access to addictions medicine physicians in rural / remote areas
- Providing capacity for evidence-based treatment to reduce burden on other care providers
- Consulting on best practices and approaches for patients with opioid use disorder
- Support for community engagement initiatives
You can also reach us by phone at 1 236-622-2055. We look forward to meeting you!
Reach out to Amanda now
(aclaeys@canatc.ca)