Vancouver Addiction Matrix Program (VAMP)
Related topics: 2SLGBTQIA+ Mental health and substance use Substance use Vancouver mental health and substance use services
The Vancouver Addiction Matrix Program (VAMP) is a 12-week program for adults aged 18 and over living in Vancouver.
About VAMP
The Vancouver Addiction Matrix Program (VAMP) is a 12-week outpatient group. VAMP is open to adults aged 18 and over living in Vancouver who are experiencing challenges with substance use. There are 2 streams; one for all-gender and one for gay, bisexual, queer and trans men. Clients are welcome to choose which suits their identity and recovery needs best. Both VAMP streams may be facilitated either online or in person. Please check with the intake counsellor for details.
VAMP runs in person on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Concurrent individual counselling is also available.
Groups focus on early recovery skills, relapse prevention and support education, and ongoing aftercare.
Download the VAMP brochure for more information
VAMP programming
Early recovery skills
- Time planning and scheduling
- Awareness of triggers and cravings
- Basic recovery tools such as thought-stopping techniques
- The Gay, Bi & Queer Men’s stream focuses on the relationship between crystal meth and sex
Relapse prevention skills
- Provides hope that things will get easier
- Relapse analysis and patterns of behaviour
- Tools to deal with obsessive thinking
- Learn to recognize, prevent or avoid high-risk activities
- Understand the stages of recovery and what to expect over time
- Develop healthy relationship and communication skills
Individual counselling
- Offers substance use counselling to help process VAMP material
- Client-safe, culturally sensitive counsellors
- Client can access outside counselling while in VAMP
Aftercare
- Ongoing weekly support starting after completion of the program
- Healthy socializing with other people in recovery