Addiction and problematic substance use are issues that can affect anyone. At Sunshine Coast Health Centre and Georgia Strait Womens Clinic, we recognize that individuals seeking treatment services and resources around these issues face many barriers.
In this article, we talk about the barriers that people face in accessing treatment and recovery, and how our centres aim to address these barriers from a human-centred perspective.
Long Waitlists
In British Columbia and—more generally—in Canada, wait times for treatment and recovery centres are unacceptably long. Limited availability of treatment resources can result in month-long waiting lists for individuals seeking help, which may result in exacerbated severity of addiction for individuals and increased risk of relapse.
At SCHC and GSWC, we’ve made it our mandate to adapt to the dire provincial and national situation by increasing our capacity and offering an increasingly diversified range of inpatient and other options for treatment and services.
Shame And Stigma
At SCHC and GSWC, we’re no strangers to stigma and the pain it causes for individuals. We recognize that the guilt and shame surrounding addiction can prevent individuals from seeking help due to fear of judgment, discrimination, or damage to their reputations. Through our centres, we take an active role in combating social stigma through education, open dialogue, and community awareness. Our environment is not one of shame and judgment, but rather one where we practice unconditional positive regard, take a strengths-based approach and recognize that it’s okay to be imperfect.
By promoting understanding and empathy, and maintaining high standards of privacy, our centres create a supportive environment that encourages individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or repercussions.
Financial Constraints And Coverage
At SCHC and GSWC, we’re very familiar with the stereotypes around private options for treatment and recovery—namely that they are out of reach for most families and individuals. Even for families with insurance coverage, barriers such as high deductibles, limited coverage for certain types of treatments, or exclusion of specific services related to addiction can all limit access to addiction treatment. As can a lack of insurance altogether, and more generally a lack of funds for treatment and services.
To reduce financial barriers, we’ve built a dedicated team of staff that work with prospective clients and their families to explore payment options in effective collaboration with insurance providers & government agencies. We also pride ourselves on the efforts we put into connecting individuals with free community resources around them, a service we provide in recognition of the fact that everyone should have access to resources. If the cost of treatment and services feels like a barrier to you or a loved one, we would still love to connect with you. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Lack Of Personalized Care
If there’s one thing that we’ve learned in all of our years providing treatment and services related to addiction, problematic substance use, and mental health, is that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all when it comes to treatment and recovery.
Generic treatment approaches may fall short of addressing the diverse needs of individuals seeking recovery for a variety of reasons, such as co-occurring mental health needs. Addressing co-occurring health needs such as anxiety, depression or trauma-related conditions is key to treatment and recovery. Yet, it seems to fall off the radar at many public and private centres, which aim to treat addiction in isolation.
Our centres work with clients to address co-occurring mental health needs, as well as needs related to physical, social and spiritual health. Moreover, we recognize at our centres that trauma and addiction often intersect, and thus provide a trauma-informed approach in all our endeavours. This approach centres around safety and empathy and helps to hold a space that enables individuals to heal from their past traumas and develop effective coping strategies. Our gender-specific care programs are part of creating this environment.
Ultimately, our team believes in co-creating individualized treatment and service plans with individuals and their support networks, taking into account factors such as co-occurring conditions, cultural background and identity, and individual life circumstances. By tailoring treatment and services, we can work together to define and maximize success.
Discrimination
At our centres, we are committed to upholding the fundamental principles of human rights for all individuals seeking recovery. Our policies are built upon a foundation of respect, dignity, and equality, ensuring that every person who uses our services receives support in a compassionate and non-discriminatory environment. Thus, we strictly prohibit and actively address any forms of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected at the universal, national, and provincial levels.
By upholding these principles, we strive to create an inclusive and empowering environment that fosters positive change and supports the long-term well-being of all individuals seeking treatment and services.
Personal Responsibilities and Commitments
Look, we get it… Treatment and recovery can be a huge interruption to commitments such as work, family responsibilities, or other aspects of daily life. But unlike many other centres which operate on a lockdown principle, we strive to value and encourage our clients’ autonomy to the highest degree possible.
Our facilities include internet access, excellent cell service, and even a business station with printing should you need to keep up with business or other responsibilities. What’s more, our family services staff are happy to support clients in making their families part of their recovery process to whatever degree clients see fit.
In Summary
In this article, we’ve explored just some of the barriers to accessing treatment and recovery services. At our centres, we recognize that reducing barriers to treatment and recovery is not only a crucial step towards fostering inclusivity but also a practical and necessary consideration to increasing wellness and reducing mortality related to substance use and mental health.
Through our principles and practices—such as trauma-informed care, tailored treatment plans, and addressing stigma—we aim to address the challenges that keep people from accessing mental health and addiction services, ultimately promoting recovery and healing for all.
Get In Touch Today
Sunshine Coast Health Centre and Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic are world-class centres for addiction treatment and mental health. We take an approach that recognizes the importance of the physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of individuals in treatment and recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or mental health, give us a call today.
