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Substance-use Treatment & Response Team at Vancouver Detox

Adult withdrawal management services, also known as detox, provide nursing care and physician support for a safe, supportive environment for people experiencing acute withdrawal from substances.

How to access

  • Eligibility

     Individuals who are physically and psychologically stable enough to undergo withdrawal at home. Additionally, clients are eligible for this program if they:

    • Are 19 years of age or older,
    • reside in Vancouver,
    • have a substance-free, safe, stable environment in which they can detox.

    Individuals also have a 24-hour support person to stay with them throughout their withdrawal process.

  • Referral

    ​Access accepts self-referrals: Phone number: 1 (866) 658-1221

    Physicians and non-VCH clinicians can also make a referral.

Hours of operation

Currently open
  • Monday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Sunday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

After-hours voicemail calls are answered the following morning

About START

They provide rapid access to outpatient detox for those who need help stopping or stabilizing their substance use or are reluctant or unable to access residential withdrawal management facilities. Treatment includes:

  • assessment,
  • withdrawal management,
  • individual treatment plans,
  • referral to counselling,
  • and other psychosocial interventions. 

START provides rapid stabilization onto Buprenorphine/Naloxone for people dependent on opioids, as well as manages low-risk withdrawal, including alcohol withdrawal in a person's home. 

Vancouver Detoxification Centre

Vancouver Detoxification Centre (VDC) is a place that supports clients who need medical help to come off substances.

Substance-Use Treatment And Response Team (START)

START provides first-line treatment options to individuals requiring help to withdraw from, or stabilize, their substance use and who can do so safely, with support, in the community. START offers a safe withdrawal from alcohol and other substances and initiation and titration of opioid agonist treatments.