Drug abuse in Canada has been on the steady rise with more and more individuals succumbing to the vice. The state of drug addiction in Vancouver has always been an issue of concern, with preventive measures being employed in any way possible. In this article we look at drug rehabilitation and what you need to know when choosing a center.
Over the years, Vancouver has been in the spotlight for reaching a state of public health emergency due to the influx of deaths from drug related cases. Illicit drugs have constituted over 1500 deaths in Vancouver since November 2020. With over 3600 deaths due to overdose-related cases since 2016, the state has employed various steps to ensure the safety of drug addicts in Vancouver which has since risen since the pandemic.
The drug crisis in Vancouver has sought to cost the province around $4.9 billion making the problem a crisis affair. Vancouver has adopted liberal drug policies that aim to understand the state of drug addiction and seek to offer responsible and clean ways of dealing with the vice.
The four pillars initiative was devised as a way to identify solutions for the rampant drug addiction and find alternate ways to ensure that the citizens in Vancouver could adopt safer practices. By identifying options for harm reductions through supervised and safer alternatives in drug use, various public health centers have adopted this as a way to minimize infections and possible deaths due to drug use.
The fight against drug addiction is ever so rampant in Vancouver, with considerations done to ensure that proper treatments are facilitated to ensure as many people as possible get the help they need, thus preventing deaths from overdose. With around 23% of individuals which comprises 738 deaths from having had an opiate overdose, the rising rates of overdose deaths are imminent.
The prevalence of various treatment centers has seen the rehabilitation centers adopt various treatment options to help victims of drug abuse live normal healthy lives.
Prevalent drugs in Vancouver
According to a 2018 report, the most common drug used in Vancouver is crystal meth. This is followed closely by heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, fentanyl, and alcohol. The use of injections commonly used in the past is still common with 34% of addicts preferring it. However, 6% of addicts prefer snorting with the number increasing weekly.
The use of alcohol with drugs is ever so prevalent with most addicts preferring beer, sherry, or wine. The use of illicit alcohol found in substances such as hairsprays, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizers was also common. These pose detrimental effects to the users who purchase them at drugstores.
What to look for when choosing a drug rehabilitation center
With over ninety rehabilitation centers in the city, there are several factors to consider when scouting for a rehabilitation center in Vancouver:
- Budget
Depending on the treatment type, whether inpatient or outpatient, the average cost of inpatient centers in Vancouver is $2000 to $25,000 for sixty or ninety days. This cost goes considerably higher for luxury centers. The cost for outpatient centers is $5000 to $10,000 also depending on the center. Partial hospitalization programs cost from $350 a day while detox programs cost from $250 to $800 a day. Choosing a center that falls within the budget is vital in ensuring that the costs are not overwhelming.
- Rehabilitation services
The center should be equipped with a variety of rehabilitation services to offer their patient a variety to choose from. For instance, is the center equipped with a medication-assisted detoxification service or an opiate treatment service?
- Treatment approaches
The center should offer several therapies and counseling approaches which range from cognitive related therapy to trauma-related therapy. It is also vital to ensure the center offers evidence-based treatment methods.
What to expect in a rehabilitation center
Deciding to visit a rehabilitation center is the first step of treatment. Several addicts struggle with the choice to enroll, which ultimately drives them deeper and deeper into addiction. Choosing to live a drug-free life by enrolling poses several positive outcomes for the addict.
Upon identifying the rehabilitation center of choice, accessing the center will see the patient enrolled into an assessment program. This assessment seeks to understand the individual’s physical, mental, and emotional state, medical history, and a review of their background to determine the best possible course of treatment. The patient will also relay their expectations and goals at the end of the treatment.
After the assessment, the physician will advise and recommend a customized treatment plan according to the individual’s goals and needs. This treatment plan will take into account the drug in question and find ways on how best to assist the patient.
Many patients only go through the detoxification process because of the costs of private rehabilitation centers. Government-funded centers have long waiting lists which make accessing care and treatment a bit longer.
With about 40% to 60% relapse rates in Vancouver, it is important to ensure that the aftercare program is followed. These programs offer accountability and continued support long after the patient has left the facility.
Factors to consider
It is best to identify whether your insurance plan can cover drug addiction treatment. Choosing a private or public insurance plan with these considerations will greatly save the patient on costs. However, several treatment centers offer structured payment plans to their clients, to assist spread out the payment into manageable costs. The payment plan can be paid in installments during treatment, enabling the patient to be able to meet the full costs without breaking the bank. There are also other options such as fundraising or crowdfunding which can assist the patient access quality care.
“According to the Canadian Centre For Addictions, the longer a person stays in rehab, the better their chances of successfully recovering, and the benefits of rehabilitation treatment further outweigh the costs. Therefore, addicts need to seek out affordable programs that will help them get the treatment they deserve and regain their relationships, careers, and physical health.”
It is best to research a rehabilitation center before registering for treatment. Asking around for referrals or checking the center’s reviews will make the search a bit smaller and purposeful. You can also use search tools to access rehabilitation centers near you.
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