For parents and caregivers, the thought of a young person trying substances for the first time can be scary. Many people will try using substances at some point in their lives, whether it’s drinking coffee or alcohol, smoking tobacco or cannabis, or trying out other drugs. There are many types of substances, and many types of substance use—everyone’s experience of substance use is unique. It’s important to have open, honest conversations with the young people in your life to make sure they’re healthy, safe and well, whether they’re using substances or not.

If you think a young person you care about is using substances in a way that’s a cause for concern, there are both in-person and virtual supports available, for both of you. There are also resources such as the Parents Like Us handbook, developed for parents by parents, which offers guidance about when to seek support and how to help young people stay healthy and safe and meet their health goals. FamilySmart also offers a peer support group for the parents of children and youth with mental health and substance use challenges.

There are many types of support and treatment available for young people who use substances, including drop-in programs, harm reduction services, and ongoing support and treatment programs. A meeting with staff from a youth service like the Foundry (in person or through Foundry Virtual), a medical doctor, a  regional youth substance use program or a Child and Youth Mental Health Intake Clinic can be a good place to start (“intake” might feel like a serious step, but intake clinics are designed to help you figure out what services are a good fit for you.

One type of support program is live-in treatment, where people move into a special support facility for a while. In this article, we will explore some aspects of live-in treatment for youth who use substances, and whether it might be a useful option for the young people you care about. 

What is live-in treatment?

Live-in treatment, sometimes called “bed-based” treatment, is a type of program designed to support people with mental health or substance use challenges in a safe and structured environment. The youth bed-based treatment programs in BC provide comprehensive care to address the unique needs of young people, with the goal of building resiliency and changing relationships with substances. Live-in treatment  might be in special facilities with multiple beds or in small home settings with only one or two beds.

Where is live-in treatment available?

There are free bed-based treatment programs for youth in communities across BC, both in larger centres and in smaller communities, and there are beds available. Different programs have different structures and timelines, and there may be waitlists for certain programs at certain times, but overall there are open beds, and new programs continue to open in communities across BC

Some notable examples of live-in treatment centres include Traverse, located in Chilliwack, which offers a comprehensive and evidence-based treatment program. The Bridge Youth Recovery House, situated in Kelowna, focuses on providing specialized care for youth experiencing addiction. These are just a couple of examples, and there are other excellent programs available across the province with new beds continuing to open.

Who is live-in treatment for?

Bed-based or live-in treatment is available for youth who are experiencing substance use challenges and would benefit from more intensive support and guidance than they might get through a community-based program. Different programs are for different ages, but most support youth (ages 12 to 24) who are hoping to change their relationship with substances and who would like a progressive, supportive environment to learn and grow alongside others. All programs are voluntary—young people and their caregivers have agreed to give them a try and can leave when they choose to.

Generally, access to live-in programs comes on the recommendation of a health care or other professional. Later in this article you’ll read about how to get a referral.

How long does a live-in program take?

How long people spend in a live-in program depends on the structure of the program and the individual needs of the young person receiving treatment. Typically, programs can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Program staff will help assess needs and goals so participants know what to expect.

While some programs may have waitlists, many do not. But the timing of entering a live-in treatment program can also be impactful, so discussing a timeline with care providers is important too.

What happens in a live-in treatment program?

The primary goal of live-in treatment is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where youth can receive specialized care and develop resilience and skills to address their health goals around using substances.

These programs may help young people learn strategies for dealing with trauma and challenges, build healthy relationships, and develop their skills and interests. Depending on their needs, they may receive a combination of individual counselling, group therapy, life skills training, recreational activities, and educational support.

A typical day in a youth treatment program includes a structured routine that promotes healing and personal growth. Mornings often start with a healthy breakfast, followed by a schedule of activities throughout the day. These might include cultural learning, one-on-one sessions with staff, school and learning activities, and recreation time spent on outings or activities like hiking, sports or art, with opportunities for personal reflection and free time to spend on personal interests. Meals are provided and shared as a group, and there are scheduled times for rest and relaxation as well. The overall atmosphere is one of support, understanding, and encouragement, with trained staff members available around the clock to provide assistance and guidance.

How can young people access a live-in treatment program?

Accessing a bed-based treatment program usually requires a referral from a healthcare professional. A referral is a recommendation from a healthcare provider who believes that someone could benefit from a certain type of treatment.

Because services and supports are different all over the province, one of the best ways to access a live-in treatment program is to connect with a youth substance use team in your region. If you’re not sure which region (“Health Authority”) you’re in, you can search for your community in this list. The list below shows some key regional contact information. You can also look at this map, which shows where some of the programs are located: Youth Substance Use Bed Based Services in BC (gov.bc.ca).

If you have a family doctor or a trusted clinic, they can also be a great place to start. You could also connect with local youth centres like the Foundry. Foundry Youth Centres are a network of comprehensive healthcare centres specifically designed to support young people with mental health and substance use challenges, and the Foundry’s services can also be accessed virtually from anywhere in the province.

Young people can access substance use services on their own, without a parent or guardian, if they need to, but caregivers can be great supports for the young people in their lives, and most programs encourage parents and guardians to be involved if they can.

What if live-in treatment isn’t the right fit?

Live-in treatment may not be the right fit for every individual or family. Fortunately, there are many other treatment options available that can be tailored to unique needs. These alternatives include counselling, drop-in supports or day treatment at treatment centres, support groups, therapy, and outpatient programs. It’s a good idea to consult with support staff who can help assess your specific situation and recommend the best or most suitable treatment approach. The Foundry is a great place to start.

There are also supports specifically for Indigenous youth. Visit the First Nations Health Authority mental health and wellness pages for more information.

What to do now

If you believe that live-in treatment may be a helpful option for a young person you care about, the next step is to reach out to a healthcare professional, whether through a regional health authority child and youth substance use program or through another doctor or clinic. They can provide guidance, referrals, and further information about the best options for you.

You’ll probably have lots of questions about the programs you’re interested in, and the best thing you can do is ask. Every program will have different rules and guidelines, so checking in with the specific program is a good idea. You might want to make a list of your questions in advance to make sure you get the answers you want. Here are a few questions you might want to ask:

• What items can participants bring with them to the program? Is it okay to bring a phone or laptop? What are the rules for using it?
• Can young people stay in contact with friends and family while attending the program?
• Will participants go to school while in the program?
• What kind of supports will participants have access to (such as counsellors, Elders, or clinicians)?
• What kind of activities will participants be doing? Can I opt not to do an activity that’s difficult or scary for me (eg. rock climbing)?

Remember, you are not alone on this journey—there are supports available for you, too. This is just one step on your journey towards wellbeing for you and your loved ones.