Overview:

Our non-12-step program methodology is unique and lets us be far more than an addiction treatment facility. While other centres focus on abstinence or harm reduction, we focus on helping our clients solve the underlying issues driving addictive behaviour or mental health suffering. This allows all clients to get the full benefit of our program.
Sunshine Coast is an advanced health facility that gives working men an opportunity to explore their problem drinking or drug use while also building camaraderie with other men and professionals experiencing similar issues. This shared experience has been shown to provide the most therapeutic value.
Our desire to provide advanced and specialized care for men continues to grow since opening in 2004. We are a licensed residential mental health and addiction treatment program that has been accredited since 2012 and a certified B Corp since 2018. Our philosophy is based on a non-12-step, meaning-centered methodology, that interconnects all our services including medical withdrawal, anger management, rTMS, trauma therapy, and PTSD treatment.
We believe that every client deserves to have a highly skilled, compassionate, and curious team of professionals to help them. Our team provides a very wide range of proven health treatments such as EMDR, Hypnotherapy, and Somatic Therapy because while some treatments help many, nothing works for everyone. Our extensive team of staff and limited peer group size lets us offer the services of a large facility with the privacy and attention of a small one.
We are the only men’s only program of its kind in Canada, and this is just one of the features that makes us stand out from the rest. During your stay, you’ll also experience the following services exclusive to Sunshine Coast: Medical and psychiatric teams who work closely with each client An all professional counselling team with minimum of a graduate degree Truly personalized recovery programs written for each individual Comprehensive mental health assessment and treatment A high functioning and motivated all-male peer group Individual accommodation including private baths and kitchens Significant 1-1 counselling Long-term aftercare across Canada Extensive fitness and recreation programs Family counselling and education weekend for multiple family members

Admissions:

Treatment Duration: 30-90 days
Beds Available: 47
Programs for Women
Programs for Men
LGBTQ Programs
Adult Programs
Smoking Permitted

Financials:

Daily Fee: $855.00
Private Insurance
Military Insurance
Financing Available
Self-pay Options

Detox Services:

Methadone Maintenance:

Methadone Maintenance Treatment or ORT (Opiate Replacement Therapy) is the use of methadone as a substitute for someone who is addicted to opioids (heroin, OxyContin, codeine, Dilaudid, Percocet and others), helping with the recovery process reducing the cravings for the opioids or used as part of the admittance process to a substance abuse treatment facility that requires complete abstinence.

Medication-Assisted Treatment:

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications along with counseling and therapy to treat substance abuse. MAT is mainly used to treat opioid addictions (i.e. heroin and/or prescription drugs like OxyContin or Vicodin). Medications like buprenorphine are used in MAT to help normalize brain chemistry, block the effects of alcohol and/or opioids, relieve cravings, and stabilize body functions, making sobriety easier to maintain. All medications used are approved by the FDA, and every MAT program is tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

Buprenorphine Detox:

Buprenorphine (brand name Subutex, among others) is an opioid medication used to treat opioid addiction. Buprenorphine can prevent or significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to get and stay off opioids. Sometimes used alongside naloxone, dosage depends on the severity of each case. Many people stay on buprenorphine long-term, although some gradually reduce the dosage to come off it.

Naltrexone:

Naltrexone is an FDA-approved medication used to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. Naltrexone helps reduce cravings and prevent relapse, making recovery easier. It comes either in pill form (ReVia, Depade), taken once a day; or in an injectable form (Vivitrol), administered monthly. Patients must not have any illegal opioids or opioid medication in their system for at least 7-10 days before starting naltrexone (this includes methadone, so if you’re switching from methadone to naltrexone, you must wait until your system is clear).

Psychotropic Medication:

Psychotropic medications (aka psychodynamic medication) are any medicines used specifically to affect and/or alter a patient's mind, emotions, and behaviors. Such psychiatric medicines are often used to change chemical levels in the brain that impact a person's mood and behavior. These medications include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, anti-ADHD drugs, and anti-anxiety medications.

Level of Care:

Intensive Outpatient:

Intensive Outpatient programs are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.

Non 12-Step:

Non-12-step programs promote a non-religious approach to rehab, and avoid calling addiction a disease (as traditional 12-step programs do). Instead, non-12-step programs emphasize scientific evidence when it comes to both treatment and recovery, and adapt to new addiction research as it comes out. Non-12-step programs stress the importance of self-reliance and empowerment (rather than dependence on a higher power, as in traditional 12-step programs). Non-12-step programs also tend to focus on co-occurring mental illnesses, if present. Addiction can make a mental health issue worse, and vice versa, so it's important to address both.

SMART Recovery:

SMART (Self-Management & Recovery Training) is a method addiction recovery, often seen as an “alternative” to 12-step programs. It emphasizes 4 core areas: Building Motivation, Coping with Urges, Problem Solving, and Lifestyle Balance. The SMART approach views substance use as a dysfunctional habit (not a disease), emphasizes the latest scientific research on addiction, and believes each individual finds his/her own path to recovery. Notably, relapses are seen as a normal part of the change cycle and good learning experiences if handled properly. SMART can be put to use anywhere (any rehab facility or group).

Holistic Treatment:

Rather than focusing solely on addiction, holistic treatment facilities treat patients in terms of their whole being. Holistic treatment is about more than just addiction and sobriety – it addresses the person’s life in its entirety, including career, physical, familial, and spiritual aspects.

Medically Assisted Detox:

Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal.

24 Hour Clinical Care:

At certain points in the recovery process, it's important to have support available 24/7. 24-hour clinical care offers a safe environment in which to recover from drug or alcohol addiction in peace, knowing medical detox and other treatment will happen with professionals on hand.

Outpatient:

Outpatient programs are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.

Inpatient:

Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.

Individualized Treatment:

Certain drug and alcohol rehab centers have standard treatment regimes they expect all patients to follow. Others offer individualized treatment, meaning they tailor treatment to a person's specific background and needs. For example, a rehab facility may adjust a treatment program to take into account the type of drug or addiction from which the person suffers, their age, medical condition(s), religious beliefs, or lifestyle.

Aftercare Support:

Completing a drug or alcohol rehab program shouldn't spell the end of substance abuse treatment. Aftercare involves making a sustainable plan for recovery, including ongoing support. This can include sober living arrangements like halfway houses, career counseling, and setting a patient up with community programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

Sober Living Home:

Sober living houses (SLHs), aka sober homes or halfway houses, are safe, substance-free, supportive living facilities for those recovering from substance abuse. Ideal for those who've just been through inpatient or outpatient treatment, SLHs are supervised environments with rules that support sobriety, such as curfews, shared chores, and therapeutic meetings. Residents are also often trained on life skills and coping skills to make it easier to transition into society. SLHs also provide a strong sense of community that can lead to the kind of deep and lasting connections with other sober individuals that supports a new, healthy lifestyle.

Treatment Focus:

Mental Health and Substance Abuse:

A combined mental health and substance abuse treatment center has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.

Opiate Addiction:

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Alcoholism:

The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.

Dual Diagnosis/Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment:

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Therapy Programs:

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation:

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive way of stimulating the brain in order to help with symptoms of depression. TMS uses elecromagnetic coils to deliver magnetic pulses to the brain, which can improve a patient's mood and ease depression. It's often used when other depression treatments haven't worked.

Sound Therapy:

Sound therapy (aka sound healing or vibrational medicine) uses sonic vibrations to stimulate healing at the cellular level. Vibrations, either from the human voice or resonant objects like tuning forks, gongs, or Tibetan bowls, affect cellular resonance in the body, which can help heal the impact of anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder.

Equine Therapy:

Equine therapy, aka equine-assisted therapy (EAT), is a form of experiential therapy that involves interactions and activities with horses. It does not necessarily involve riding horses, but all activities related to horses, such as feeding, grooming, haltering and leading them. A mental health professional frequently oversees the activities (often in conjunction with a horse professional), and helps patients process their thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns during and/or after the interaction.

Eating Disorder Treatment:

Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and dysfunctional eating patterns. Many psychologists and other mental health professionals consider eating disorders to be food addictions, meaning food is being used in an addictive way (similar to drug or alcohol addiction). Certain substance abuse treatment programs will have treatment for eating disorders as one of the services offered. An eating disorder may also present as a co-occuring disorder or dual diagnosis alongside drug and alcohol addiction.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy:

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Laser Therapy:

Laser therapy is a way of treating addiction (including withdrawal symptoms) with low-level lasers that target acupressure points. It is known for being particularly effective for quitting smoking (nicotine). Low-level lasers are directed at points on the face, hands, wrists, and other areas associated with stress, metabolism, and addiction. By stimulating specific points, patients can experience relief from withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and more.

Fitness Therapy:

Fitness Therapy blends exercise with psychotherapy for a fun, inspiring, and effective way of treating addiction and other issues. By incorporating movement into counseling sessions, clients become more empowered, motivated, and goal-oriented, all while strengthening their bodies and becoming more flexible. Fitness Therapy is usually used to complement a course of treatment (inpatient or outpatient) to make it even more successful. Increasing the connection between a patient’s mind and body helps both with healing as well as in creating new, healthy habits.

Hypnotherapy:

Hypnotherapy (aka guided hypnosis) can be used as a therapeutic modality to treat substance use, especially in terms of quitting smoking cigarettes (nicotine). Clinical hypnotherapists help clients turn their attention inward, accessing unconscious or subconscious material, and then make suggestions that are healthier for the individual. The process can help clients make deep, positive, and lasting changes, including ceasing addictive habits.

Family Therapy:

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.

Individual Therapy:

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Trauma Therapy:

Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.

Group Therapy:

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

Couples Therapy:

Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing:

EMDR is a therapeutic modality originally developed to help process trauma. In an EMDR session, a patient is prompted to undergo eye movements that mimic those of REM sleep. This is accomplished by watching a therapist's finger move back and forth across, or following a bar of light. The goal is repetitive sets of eye movements that help the brain reprocess memory, which can significantly reduce the intensity of remembered traumatic incidents. Associated memories can heal simultaneously, leaving patients significantly calmer, more stable, and more emotionally relaxed.

Motivational Interviewing:

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues and other conditions shift behavior in positive ways. It is more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely.

Life Skills:

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Nutrition Therapy:

Nutrition therapy, aka medical nutrition therapy (MNT), is a way of treating physical, emotional, and medical conditions through diet. Specific dietary plans are designed by professional nutritionists or registered dietitians, and patients follow them in order to positively affect their physical and mental health.

Amenities:

Luxury Setting
Beach Setting
Ocean Views
Private Setting
Residential Setting
Private Rooms
Pet Friendly
Art Activities
Business Center
Gym
Outdoor Activities
Massage
Meditation
Pool
Recreation Room
Private Transportation
WiFi
Yoga Studio

Contact:

Sunshine Coast Health Centre
2174 Fleury Rd Powell River, BC V8A 0H8
http://www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca
(604) 487-9050

Accreditations:

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Accreditation Canada
Last Updated: 03/22/2023
Sunshine Coast Health Centre: