Alcohol & Drug Rehab Programs & Services

THERAPY FOR THE MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT

INTRODUCTION

Since its opening in 2004, Sunshine Coast Health Center has been committed to an innovative yet evidence-based approach to addiction treatment. A biopsychosocial perspective - biological, psychological, social and spiritual – means treating the whole person, not just his addiction.

1. PSYCHOLOGICAL (TALK) THERAPIES

Generally speaking, the term ‘talk therapy’ distinguishes counselling from the use of prescribed medications to address emotional distress.

For more information on the many psychological approaches to therapy offered at Sunshine Coast, refer to the Addiction Counseling section.  For general information on talk therapies visit the Psychological Modalities section of this website.

2. DRUG THERAPY

Drug therapy, or pharmacotherapy, is the treatment of disorders using medications. Medications can be used to help with different aspects of the addiction treatment process.

2.A. Withdrawal Medications

Medications offer help in suppressing withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. However, medically assisted detoxification is not in itself “treatment”— it is only the first step in the treatment process. The medical unit at Sunshine Coast uses medical protocols. Any medications prescribed to clients prior to admission will be reviewed by our medical director.

2.B. Relapse Prevention Medications

Medications can be used to help re-establish normal brain function and to prevent relapse and diminish cravings. Addiction medicine specialists and psychiatrists typically provide medications for alcoholism, tobacco (nicotine), and opioids (heroin, morphine):

2.B.1. Alcoholism Medications

Several pharmacotherapies to help problem drinkers* have been approved by Health Canada. They include disulfiram (Antabuse) and the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone (ReVia). ReVia appears to have some efficacy in reducing alcohol consumption and preventing relapse, but compliance is poor because of gastrointestinal side effects. Antabuse interferes with the degradation of alcohol, resulting in the accumulation of acetaldehyde, which, in turn, produces a very unpleasant reaction that includes flushing, nausea, and palpitations if the patient drinks alcohol. Sunshine Coast Health Center is not adverse to prescribing Antabuse when it is therapeutically appropriate and the client is motivated to abstain from alcohol. Sunshine Coast considers Antabuse to be an effective aid for recovery when combined with other therapies for clients returning to their home communities following treatment.

(*) Source: Buonopane A, Petrakis IL. Pharmacotherapy of alcohol use disorders. Substance Use Misuse 2005; 40:2001-20.

2.B.2. Tobacco Dependence Medications

A variety of nicotine replacement therapies now exist—including the patch (Habitrol®), spray, gum (Nicorette™), and lozenges—that are available over the counter. Two prescription medications buproprion (Zyban®) and varenicline tartrate (Champix®) have been approved by Health Canada for tobacco addiction. They have different mechanisms of action in the brain, but both help prevent relapse for people trying to quit. With approximately 4 out of 5 clients admitted to Sunshine Coast also struggling with tobacco, our medical director will often prescribe Champix® for those who choose to quit smoking while in treatment.

2.B.3. Opioid Replacement Medications

Methadone, buprenorphine and, for some individuals, naltrexone are effective medications for the treatment of opiate addiction. Acting on the same targets in the brain as heroin and morphine, methadone and buprenorphine suppress withdrawal symptoms and relieve cravings. Currently, clients admitted at Sunshine Coast whose drug of choice is heroin or an opioid pain reliever (such as Oxycontin®, Percocet® or Dilaudid®, etc.) are detoxed with the assistance of medical staff. Clients on methadone are required to taper down to a daily dosage 5 mg prior to admission. Please note Sunshine Coast does not facilitate methadone maintenance therapy.

2.C. Psychotropic Drug Therapy

Treating mental illness is a critical element of contemporary addiction treatment. The use of psychotropic¹ drug therapy must be considered carefully, factoring in a client’s existing prescription regimen and any co-existing medical conditions. Knowing that clients are compromised by chemical dependency requires careful consideration and, when possible, the use of alternative drugs that have a lower risk of dependence. Fortunately, Sunshine Coast has a psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse who are both experienced in treating concurrent ² mental health and addiction. For more information on psychiatric services refer to sections 1.B. Psychiatric Assessment and 2.C. Mental Health Counselling.

(1) Note: The Oxford dictionary defines psychotropic as “relating to drugs that affect a person’s mental state.”
(2) Note: “Concurrent” means existing, happening, or done at the same time.

2.D. Medications for Co-Existing Medical Conditions (excluding Psychiatric Conditions)

An important but often overlooked application for drug therapy in addiction treatment addresses co-existing medical conditions such as communicable disease (HIV, Hepatitis C, etc.) and chronic disease (diabetes, high blood pressure,
etc.). Older clients may also struggle with dementia, liver failure, lung disease, among others. At Sunshine Coast Health Center, one of the advantages of having an onsite medical unit is the ability to assess, diagnose and treat disease that may have gone undetected or neglected due to addiction.

See the About our Staff section for more information on our medical team. For general information on drug therapies see biomedical treatment in the Biological Modalities section.

3. COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

With the advent of complementary and alternative therapies,* addiction treatment has gone beyond conventional approaches practiced by counsellors, doctors and nurses. These therapies view recovery from a Biopsychosocial perspective where physical, social, mental and spiritual health are all part of the treatment plan.

(*) Note: Complementary therapies refers to nonstandard treatments that are used along with standard approaches while alternative therapies means treatments used instead of standard care.

3.A. Fitness Therapy

Fitness is an excellent replacement for destructive activities such as the compulsive use of drugs and alcohol. For example, fitness offers the benefits of a healthy daily discipline, an opportunity to socialize, a restoration of physical health and a naturally effective stress relief. Sunshine Coast is committed to physical fitness as demonstrated by staffing (a full-time exercise physiologist), programming (onsite and off-site fitness and recreation) and facility amenities (full equipped gym, indoor lap pool, half-court basketball). During their stay, clients design and work on an individualized fitness plan with the support of the exercise physiologist.

For details on the Fitness Program at Sunshine Coast refer to the Fitness section of this website.

3.B. Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is an induced hypnotic state designed to increase motivation or alter behavioural patterns. The procedure involves (1) consultation with a client to determine the nature of problem, (2) preparing the client to enter hypnotic states by explaining how hypnosis works and what client will experience, (3) testing a client to determine physical and emotional suggestibility, and (4) inducing a hypnotic state using individualized methods and techniques of hypnosis based on interpretation of test results and analysis of client's problem. Sunshine Coast Health Center has utilized hypnotherapy extensively with clients, particularly during evenings and weekends where clients tend to experience heightened anxiety.

Sunshine Coast Health Center has utilized hypnotherapy extensively with clients, particularly during evenings and weekends where clients tend to experience heightened anxiety. Hypnotherapist Tatiana Tsarouk, Ph.D., is a full-time psychotherapist at Sunshine Coast Health Center with over 15 years hypnosis therapy and formal training from her native Russia.

3.C. Complementary Therapies for Trauma Treatment

Sunshine Coast Health Center offers a variety of complementary therapies for trauma as part of a comprehensive mental health program provided in conjunction with addiction therapy:

3.C.1. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a therapy that was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1989. The eye movements in EMDR refer to having the client move their eyes back and forth, or other forms of bilateral stimulation such as tapping or audio tones on alternating sides of the body. The desensitization and reprocessing in EMDR refer to the removal of emotional disturbance associated with the traumatic memory, and the replacement of unhealthy negative cognitions/beliefs related to the traumatic event with more positive and healthy cognitions/beliefs.

3.C.2. One Eye Integration (OEI)

OEI is a neurologically based series of trauma integration techniques to reduce and resolve the impact of trauma. OEI can be used on its own or in conjunction with other procedures, such as EMDR. It has also been successfully used with individuals who are unable to make difficult decisions or discontinue destructive habits such as addiction. For more information visit the Sight Psych Seminars website at www.sightpsych.com.

3.C.3. Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a therapy that measures brain activity as a way of informing clients on the state of their brain functioning. Based on this instantaneous feedback, clients are taught to adjust their thinking patterns based on whether the feedback is within a designated range. These changes in thinking patterns are associated with positive changes in physical, emotional, and cognitive states. For more information on Neurofeedback visit the International Society for Neurofeedback & Research website at www.isnr.org.

 

3.D. Art Expression

Art Therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour, and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings may be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate. * Sunshine Coast Health Center uses art not so much as therapy but as recreation to help clients unwind and be creative after a busy day in group. Clients learn art techniques and working with different mediums, being creative, having fun, and finding a new way to relax. Furthermore, participating in art expression  is an opportunity for clients to develop new ways to spend leisure time after they leave treatment.

Susan Forsberg, instructor for art expression, has been passionately teaching art in many different mediums for over 36 years, developing her unique approach that customizes each encounter to guide and encourage individuals where they want to go with their art expression. 

Art Expression Testimonials

"Art Expression gave me a place where I could practice my first steps of sobriety while still being within the safety of the program"
-Michael B

I didn't think I had an artistic side but I never want to miss art expressions and look forward to carrying my joy of painting into my recovery.
1-10 my rating 11
-Stu J

"I have to admit, when I first heard I "had" to participate in Art Expression, I thought it might be alright but not something to look forward to.  When I met Susan and came to "play" I had a blast! I also rediscovered a lost love, one that will be a part of my life from now on.   I had painted in the past but got busy, in the "business" of life.  Thanks Susan for helping me find that boy that used to love to paint! A  solid 10."
-Gerry E

 "Are you kidding? The only thing I've ever drawn is a fish boat! Awesome class this Art Expression is, very relaxing, totally takes my mind off all the hard work that we do all day long. Thanx, Susan. 10/10"
-Ron

For more information on Susan Forsberg refer to the Meet our Staff section.

(*) Source: Canadian Art Therapy Association

3.E. Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is the application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body in order to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation.

Clients residing at Sunshine Coast Health Center are provided several 30-minute sessions during the course of their stay. 

 

3.G. Ozone Therapy

Ozone Therapy is a therapy whereby ozone is introduced to the human body. Ozone is O₃, whereas the oxygen we breathe is O₂. Proponents of ozone therapy claim beneficial effects such as increasing oxygen delivery to cells, tissues, and organs; such as increasing oxygen delivery and blood circulation throughout the body as well as boosting the immune system.

Ozone therapy is offered to Sunshine Coast clients to help speed the detoxification process and as a natural muscle relaxant prior to massage therapy sessions. Clients with addictions to opiates such as heroin and prescription pain killers note particular relief as a result of ozone therapy.

For more information on ozone therapy, visit the O3 Center website at www.o3center.org.

Note: therapies and staff persons listed on this page are subject to availability and may change without prior notice.

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Sunshine Coast Health Center is a provincially-approved drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility licensed by VCH