13 May Mental Health Services and Addiction Treatment in Vancouver, British Columbia
Many people in Vancouver and North Vancouver with substance use disorder also have a mental illness. The intersection between mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD) is a really important area to address both from a societal standpoint and a scientific standpoint. Many of those suffering from addiction, alcoholism and mental health issues often do not receive appropriate treatment for their condition. It is important to note that illnesses, especially depression, anxiety, alcoholism and substance use disorder can be treated. The real problem is accepting that there is a problem and convincing the person to go to treatment. If we can help get those with addictions and mental health issues to stay with the treatment plan, it is proven they can recover. They don’t have overdoses; they don’t have suicide attempts. They keep jobs, have healthy relationships and they just do better in life.
More than two million adults in the U.S. have a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 62% of them had a co-occurring mental illness, and 24% a serious mental illness. However, only 24% and 29.6% of them, respectively, reported receiving treatment for their conditions. Canada has similar figures and statistics. Addiction and Mental Illness do not discriminate. It affects people in Vancouver from all backgrounds, all economic statuses, all types of families and from all walks of life.
Mental illness, often undiagnosed, increases the risk for alcoholism and drug addiction or substance use disorder (SUD) and can interfere with a person’s ability to make health care decisions. Patients with a diagnosed mental health condition are more likely to get substance prescriptions, despite their greater risk of addiction and overdose. Add to the mix other barriers to access proven treatments, such as the stigma that accompanies both conditions, and any patient may face a steep climb to recovery.
A barrier to treatment is the scarcity of mental and behavioural health care providers. This is especially true in non-urban areas, many of which are particularly hard-hit by the substance crisis. At Andy Bhatti Intervention and Addiction Services in Vancouver, we work with only accredited top-notch private detox and rehab centres in Vancouver and elsewhere. We believe recovery should not be one size fits all approach. What works for one person doesn’t always work for another. Also when taking co-occurring disorders and dual-diagnosis into account you will want to have medical professionals on staff at your chosen centre. We will take your or your loved one’s individual needs and requirements into consideration before offering any placements. The road to recovery is just one phone call away.
What We Can Offer in Vancouver, BC
At Andy Bhatti Interventions and Addiction Services, we believe addiction is a treatable illness that requires a serious medical approach. Treatment should be focused on the body, the mind and healing traumas while addressing any underlying mental illnesses.
We believe in creating long-term, sustainable recovery, placing the client at the heart of our world-class treatments. Our recovery treatment programs evolved with clinical, medical and holistic input from some of the best minds and free thinkers in the addiction and mental illness space. We work with the best physicians, addiction specialists, therapists and psychiatrists in the field to create an individualized treatment plan for a truly successful outcome.
Our facilities in Vancouver and around the country have been developed alongside top clinicians, physicians and holistic practitioners. The very latest techniques are employed in a truly integrated manner, to deliver lasting recovery
- Detox under medical supervision
- Length of Stay Determined by Your Progress
- Individual and Group therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Dialectic Behavioural Therapy
- Gender-Specific Group therapy
- Trauma and PTSD Therapy
- 12-Step Groups or Alternative Peer Support Groups
- Access to specialists in Sex addiction, Gaming, Disordered Eating and Somatic Therapy
- Educational Seminars
- Spiritual Guidance
- Nutritional support and healthy meals and snacks
- Exercise Kinesiologist/Personal training
- Gym and pool access
- Sports programs
- Yoga
- Massage and Reiki
- Acupuncture
- Meditation and Mindfulness
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Comprehensive, Individualized Continuing Care Plan and Resources
Medically-Supervised Detox in Vancouver, BC
Before therapeutic treatments begin, clients usually undergo a full medical detox in discreet surroundings. Detox is medically supervised by leading detox physicians and a full critical care support team.
Detox, the process of clearing the body of toxic substances, can be a painful, strenuous, and even life-threatening process. Moreover, undergoing detox without medical care increases the risk of an unsuccessful detox. It also reduces the likelihood an individual will try detox again in the future. However, mitigation of withdrawal symptoms and treatment of comorbid conditions are just some of the benefits of medically supervised detox that contribute to a greater likelihood of successful recovery.
The pain of withdrawal symptoms makes people in medically-assisted detox much more likely to complete it than those who attempt detox at home in Vancouver or try quitting cold turkey. Following a failed detox attempt, an individual has a much higher rate of relapse. The sense of guilt or failure, coupled with how agonizing withdrawal can feel, may prevent someone from trying detox again. For those who never complete detox, the probability of fatal overdose and permanent bodily damage is high.
Prescription medications can ease uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. The widespread use of treatment medications is due to the severity of a wide array of withdrawal symptoms that range from mild to fatal. The primary reasons medications are used during detox are to help the brain stabilize, reduce withdrawal symptoms, keep the patient safe, keep the patient comfortable, and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
What’s Next? Treatment for Addiction and Mental Illness
Our professional substance abuse counsellors in Vancouver are free of judgement. We don’t criticize or judge you on your past mistakes since you’ve already taken the first step towards addressing your need for substance abuse treatment. Our programs are designed to introduce our clients to new healthy habits that you can use to stop your cravings, identify your addiction triggers, prevent a relapse, and manage your co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
To be successful in long-term recovery, your addiction treatment program must be personalized to help you. We offer Individually tailored treatment plans so our clients can achieve the maximum positive outcomes.
First, you will meet with our interventionists, substance abuse therapists, or one of our highly trained counsellors in Vancouver so we can design a treatment program that incorporates trauma treatment, CBT, DBT and other evidence-based recovery programs. This has proven to assist our clients in their recovery process. Our outpatient addiction treatment centres are located in Langley, Vancouver, North Vancouver, British Columbia and in Calgary, Alberta.
Our Addiction and Mental Illness Treatment Philosophy Involves all of the Following Aspects.
- We believe the therapeutic alliance and trust between our clients and our therapists is an important factor in a positive outcome.
- We believe addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behaviour. Not all addiction treatment is appropriate for everyone. At Andy Bhatti Interventions and Addiction Services, we collaborate with our client’s ideas and preferences to help guide their personalized treatment program.
- We believe cognitive behavioural therapy and medication management are the most productive forms of alcohol and drug addiction treatment. All our clients work closely with counsellors that have their master’s degrees in counselling. Our company thrives on watching our clients complete their addiction treatment and watching our clients build their new amazing life in recovery. Our company has a high success rate working with clients that have learned to deal with their substance abuse issues and childhood trauma.
- Our core curriculum addresses Whole Person Care, Relapse Prevention, Co-occurring Disorders (dual diagnosis), Addiction-free Pain Management, Denial and Disease management, Mindfulness practices and Positive Psychology techniques in a safe, therapeutic environment.
- We feel privileged to honour the client’s process of change and use the client’s feedback to tailor our services to each individual.
Sober Living in Vancouver
The road to successful recovery from addiction can be difficult, but not impossible. Most Vancouver clients who have transitioned from the protective walls of residential/inpatient treatment quickly experience the anxiety-producing reality of returning to their former lives where they often face the challenges that await them. Without the immediate support of staff and a structured safe environment designed to prevent relapse, managing the triggers and cravings to use or drink again can prove challenging and clients tend to find themselves relapsing and re-entering treatment over and over again without the appropriate aftercare plan.
Many factors contribute to the complexities of achieving sobriety. Among them are as follows.
- Client factors (motivation, family history and dynamics, medical and mental health issues, etc.)
- Treatment factors (length of stay, treatment approaches, a mix of client population, etc.)
- Post-discharge life/sobriety skills and support systems (alcohol/drug-free living environment; healthiness of relationships, legal issues, participation in sober support systems, etc.)
No matter the length of stay in residential/inpatient treatment in Vancouver, the goal is for clients to utilize the skills that they have gained to assist them with coping with their emotions and the stressors of the real world.
It is often recommended that clients take additional time to practice using the tools and applying the skills they learned during their residential/inpatient treatment experience. Sober living environments can offer a safe and stable opportunity to practice and develop sober living skills. At Andy Bhatti Interventions and Addiction Services, we are able to set you up with a proper aftercare plan and/or a sober living house in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland.
Drug Interventions in British Columbia
Addiction counselling or intervention should be considered when a person cannot stop addiction by themselves; when they need a substance or stimulant to get through the day; when they have hurt themselves or others; when work, relationships, family connection and their health has been affected because of the addiction; and when the person cannot function as a normal productive contributor to their family or society. Learn more about our services in British Columbia at 1-888-491-8589.
Professional Drug Addiction Counselling in British Columbia
Andy Bhatti Addiction Specialists and Interventions provide effective addiction counselling and intervention services in British Columbia and several other locations across Canada. Addiction can often leave a person feeling lost, depressed, isolated and misunderstood. A professional counsellor and Interventionist aim to resolve these feelings by offering insights on the addiction and different ways in which they may look to understand and overcome it. Take the first step towards recovery today and contact us today at 1-888-491-8589. We are located right in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland and we can help you in answering all your questions and select the right private drug rehab facility for you in BC or elsewhere.