Substance Use

People use substances for different reasons, but for some people, it can affect their health and lead to dependence.

Treatment

Each year, we treat thousands of patients for problematic substance use. For people in crisis, accessing the right care when they need it can be extremely challenging. So we meet our patients where they are – at St. Paul’s and in the community. We ensure they feel welcomed with culturally-appropriate, trauma-informed care. And we support them in their journey of recovery.

Inpatient services

 

 

Outpatient services

 

 

Research

The BC Centre on Substance Use (BCSSU) at St. Paul's Hospital was established in 2017 to provide a centre of expertise to help meet those needs. They place emphasis on research to generate evidence-informed strategies, while harnessing clinical guidance and training to ensure that evidence is implemented into clinical practice in every part of the province.

Research —Leading an innovative multidisciplinary program of research, monitoring, evaluation and quality improvement activities to guide health system improvements in the area of substance use.

Education and Training—Strengthening addiction medicine education activities across disciplines, academic institutions and health authorities, and training the next generation of interdisciplinary leaders in addiction medicine.

Clinical Care Guidance—Developing and helping implement evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, treatment pathways and other practice support documents.

Providence’s Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences (CHÉOS) is known for groundbreaking research that aims to improve the health of populations, including the most vulnerable. Much of CHÉOS research focuses on the health of urban populations, those with mental illness, substance use disorders, and infectious diseases, as well as Indigenous Peoples, ethnic minorities, and other marginalized groups. 

Education

This section will be growing to become the go-to place to find health information for those with substance use problems. We will also have information, educational opportunities and resources for health care professionals, members of interdisciplinary teams that provide care for people with these conditions.

Events

Providence Health Care hosts a variety of events and educational opportunities related to urban health for our patients, residents, clients, families, the general public, medical professionals, scientists and the media.

Search the PHC calendar to view upcoming events (could it link to our events calendar with the urban health tag already selected?)

Search the Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences (CHEOS) calendar to view upcoming events and educational opportunities 

Search the BC Centre for Substance Use calendar to view upcoming events.

Giving

St. Paul’s Foundation raises funds for enhanced patient care, capital projects, equipment, research and teaching at St. Paul’s Hospital. You can support our world-leading urban health patient care, research and medical teaching by making a targeted donation to support urban health.

Road to Recovery

The Providence Health Care Road to Recovery Initiative is a system redesign that strives to better address treatment of substance use disorders by providing the right support to each client at the