Road to Recovery

The Providence Health Care Road to Recovery initiative strives to better address treatment of substance use issues by providing the right support to each client at the right time.

People who use substances deserve the same access to evidence-based care as anyone else, free from stigma. As with all of our services at Providence Health Care, Road to Recovery delivers care in a way that strives to be person-centred, trauma-informed and culturally safe.

Launched in 2023, the Road to Recovery supports clients at every phase of their wellness and recovery journey by coordinating seamless care, even if there are setbacks or relapses along the way. 

The Road to Recovery services in operation today include 25 detox beds located at St. Paul's Hospital, 20 transitional care beds for clients awaiting space in a treatment program or long-term housing, and the Road to Recovery Aftercare Team, which launched in Fall 2024, providing outreach aftercare in the community. The initiative is rolling out in steps, with additional treatment services to come soon. Intake for Road to Recovery is coordinated through Vancouver Coastal Health’s Access Central phone line at 1-866-658-1221. Acute beds at the current hospital will transition to the new St. Paul's Hospital when it opens in 2027.

How to access this service

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) provides intake and access services through their “Access Central” phone line:

When you call Access Central:

• A nurse will talk to you about your substance use goals along with your medical and substance use history. A physician may also speak with you if further information is required.
• Based on the conversation, the nurse/physician will identify whether you require a withdrawal management bed and if so, the best suited site/service.
• If you don’t require admission for withdrawal management, the team will explore other options with you. If appropriate, you will be offered same-day virtual care to address your substance use needs.
• You will receive support related to your substance use goals in an outpatient setting while you wait for your intake date.

A typical Road to Recovery patient pathway

Entry into the Road to Recovery is usually through the St. Paul’s Hospital Rapid Access Addiction Clinic (RAAC), the VCH Access Central phone line, the Emergency Department, through the St. Paul’s Hospital Overdose Prevention Site or through our Crosstown Clinic.

While not always, it is typical for clients to pass through the following stages:

• Acute stabilization
• Withdrawal management
• Short-term stay
• Recover services
• Integration into the community
• Long term recovery support

If relapse occurs, at any stage, we support patients to return to the phase of the recovery pathway that suits their circumstance.

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

Road to Recovery inpatient unit, 5th Floor, Burrard Building, St. Paul's Hospital

Contact

Hours

Entry into the Road to Recovery is usually through the St. Paul’s Hospital Rapid Access Addiction Clinic (RAAC), the VCH Access Central phone line, the Emergency Department, through the St. Paul’s Hospital Overdose Prevention Site or through our Crosstown Clinic.