Recovery is a process of healing.

Whether healing from a substance use challenge or other addiction, recovery is a self-directed journey that improves wellness. It's a process where people strive to reach their full potential, in ways that work best for them. This experience can be empowering.

Recovery means many different things to many different people. 

Recovery is not a cure for what someone is experiencing. It is something that needs to be maintained. People in recovery manage their condition every day.

How and why a person starts recovery can be very personal. It often involves seeking treatment, which can lay the foundation for positive, achievable and long-lasting health.

People may use many different pathways in their recovery journey. Professional treatment, risk reduction, peer support groups and other supports can help people heal.

Recovery can help people build stronger connections with family, friends and community, and lead to more stability and a better quality of life.  

Help for you or a loved one on your path to recovery

No matter where you or your loved ones may be on the path to wellness, recovery is a real possibility with the right supports and services.

If you know someone who is experiencing challenges with their substance use, offering non-judgemental support can help them begin their journey to healing. Stigmatizing language and attitudes can make it harder for people to reach out for help.

If you have a loved one currently in recovery, there are ways to help support them. Be there to listen without judgement. Begin to learn about the recovery process and what recovery means to them. Understand the treatment milestones they have set. Celebrate with them when their milestones are achieved.

What does treatment look like?

There are different types of treatment for substance use. What works best for one person might not work best for someone else. Help is available, and it comes in many forms.

Licensed services

These services are usually structured, intensive programs led by experts, including clinical and medical support as well as peer support and educational programs. They often have a shorter duration of 30 to 60 days.

Registered services

These services offer a less structured, more communal environment, where people receive support from peers and professionals. They may be longer, less intensive programs.

Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT)

Opioid Agonist Therapy is a medical treatment for people who are addicted to opioids. In OAT, medical professionals provide safe, slow-acting opioid medication to reduce the symptoms of opioid use disorder. Commonly used medications include methadone and buprenorphine. You can access OAT in BC through the Opioid Treatment Access Line or through a clinic or doctor. 

Who do I call?

There are access points for treatment and addictions care all across BC. 

Find more supports:

• Learn more about treatment and supportive recovery services and find a list of services throughout BC
• Call the Opioid Treatment Access Line at 1-833-804-8111 for same-day support 
• Call 8-1-1 from anywhere in BC any time of the day or night, for information about treatment and recovery services in your area
• Learn how social support can play an important role in recovery