Resources

Healthcare provider resources

New to the area of substance use or looking to advance your learning on evidence-based approaches to substance use care? Check out these resources to help you get started:

Resources for People Who Use Substances

Almost everyone uses psychoactive substances at some point in their life, such as prescription medications (to treat pain, to sleep, or reduce anxiety), legal non-medical drugs such as caffeine or alcohol, and, for many, cannabis or other illegal drugs. Some people can use these substances with some benefits and little harm, while others may find their use has become a negative force in their life. If you or someone you know needs help with substance use or addiction issues, links to more information, harm reduction supports, and treatment resources across the province are listed below. It is recommended to speak with your primary care provider about treatment options. Please note, the BCCSU does not provide direct patient care or treatment for substance use.

  • Patients Helping Patients Understand Opioid Substitution Treatment
  • Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service
    1 (800) 663-1441 or (604) 660-9382
  • Health Link BC (Dial 8-1-1)
    8-1-1 is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia. By calling 8-1-1, you can speak to a health services navigator, who can help you find health information and services; or connect you directly with a registered nurse, a registered dietician, a qualified exercise professional, or a pharmacist. Any one of these healthcare professionals will help you get the information you need to manage your health concerns, or those of your family.

Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

Withdrawal Management (Detox)

  • Access Central Detox For inpatient and outpatient detox 1 (866) 658-1221
  • Directions Youth Detox 1 (866) 658-1221 After hours and weekends: 1 (877) 872-4349
  • Vancouver Coastal Health Central Addiction Intake Team (604) 714-3487 (604) 714-3489


Interior

Youth Services

Withdrawal Management

Vancouver Island

Youth Services

Withdrawal Management


North

Withdrawal Management

Fraser Valley

Withdrawal Management


Province-Wide Resources

Find a Peer Recovery Support Group

Provincial Services

Online Resources

Support Phone Lines

Alcohol, Drugs, and Addiction

    • Access Central – Detox Referral Line 1-866-658-1221
    • Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service 1 (800) 663-1441 or (604) 660-9382

HIV/AIDS

    • AIDS Vancouver Hotline (604) 253-0566 ext. 299
    • STOP HIV/AIDS Team (604) 838-1331

Mental Health and Crisis

    • BC Mental Health Crisis Line 310-6789
    • Fraser Health Crisis Line 1 (877) 820-7444 or (604) 951-8855
    • Interior Crisis Line Network 1 (888) 353-2273
    • Northern BC 24 Hour Crisis Line 1 (888) 562-1214
    • Senior’s Distress Line (604) 872-1234
    • Suicide Prevention Line 1 (800) SUICIDE (784-2433)
    • Vancouver Island Crisis Line 1 (888) 494-3888

Other

  • BC 211 Community, Social, or Government Services Dial 211 or text the name of your city to 2-1-1 http://www.bc211.ca/
  • Health Link BC 811 or (604) 215-8110
  • Kids Help Phone 1 (800) 668-6868
  • Options Sex Sense Line 1 (800) SEX-SENSE (739-7367)
  • Trans Lifeline 1 (877) 330-6366
  • Victim Link BC 1 (800) 563-0808
  • CALL 911 – Early Overdose Signs Severe sleepiness Slow heartbeat Trouble breathing Slow, shallow breathing or snoring Cold, clammy skin Trouble walking or talking

Resources for Families & Caregivers

Please check out our Families & Caregivers resource section here.

BC Centre on Substance Use

400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9


E: [email protected] | T: (778) 945-7616 | F: (604) 428-5183

24/7 Addiction Clinician Support Line: (778) 945-7619

Online Addiction Medicine Diploma: [email protected].


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