If you (or someone you know) are interested in coming to Pacifica the following information will help you with the process.

As you probably already know, recovery is not an easy journey, and each person has to find their own way through. Some individuals struggle with complex and difficult challenges that they will need to deal with in order to be able to get some solid clean time. Sometimes the hardest part is getting the hope that there are answers that will really work. It’s hard to do the work without hope that it will pay off.  

It's important to remember that Pacifica is just one possible step in the journey to recovery, and without support and guidance and the right timing, it won’t be a magic answer. However, when things are in place and the time is right, we can be a fantastic boost in the right direction. 

Clients can be referred to Pacifica by four different types of people: 1) out-patient alcohol and drug counsellors (call 211 for the clinic nearest to you). 2) addiction physicians 3) detox counsellors or 4) EAP counsellors. Most people are referred by an outpatient counsellor, and for most clients, it makes a lot of sense to have someone like that to work with for probably a number of months before coming into our program. The outpatient counsellor can support you in getting access to the resources you need to help her deal with any outstanding issues in order to create a little more stability in your life. The counsellor can also assess your readiness for treatment, and support you in getting the kind of treatment that really fits your needs. The counsellor can also help sort out funding issues for treatment in some cases. Outpatient counselling is offered free both to people dealing with addiction and those who are in relationship with an addict. 

We have 3 levels of treatment here. You may have already looked at the rest of our website which describes the different levels. Basically, some clients need help getting clean time, or getting more stable for a variety of reasons (mentally, emotionally or physically), and Level I is perfect for helping them do that. Less intense, with more one-to-one counselling and a focus on basic grounding skills and the fundamentals of recovery, it’s a chance for clients to prepare for the intensity of Level II. Level I clients need at least 72 hours of clean time before being admitted to our program.

In Level II we give out a lot of information in our workshops, videos and training sessions, and mix that with intensive group therapy. Clients get a chance to know themselves more deeply and to understand what recovery really means for them. It’s a lot of hard work mentally and emotionally and requires a readiness to face the tough truths about what it takes to do well in recovery. Clients may transfer from Level I when they are assessed as ready, or may begin our program in Level II when they have enough clean time and stability ahead of time. Most clients entering Level II directly will have an assessment interview before being admitted. We ask that clients have at least two weeks clean and sober before the interview and/or being admitted.

Level III is for clients who complete Level II and realize that they need to look for safe housing after treatment – either support recovery or on their own. Level III is short term, with some structure and some freedom for clients to pursue their recovery goals (outpatient counselling, housing, etc). 

There are different treatment fees for clients depending on their funding source. Clients on social assistance are covered by MEIA, which pays us $40/day. Some clients who are not on social assistance qualify for a subsidy for treatment from the outpatient counselling – depending on the person’s financial situation, they may be able to subsidize part of the treatment fee. Self-paying clients or clients who are being paid for by their employer, union or insurance company are charged $198/day. Private clients or out of province clients are also charged $198/day. A private client is put to the top of any waiting lists. 

When considering costs, remember that private treatment centres can charge up to $600/day or more, without always offering private rooms or counsellors with a Master's Degree of training.

Ultimately, it is up to you to get the help you need.

If you are a family member or friend trying to support someone struggling with addiction, you may also need help, so I would encourage you to also look into outpatient counselling or joining one of a variety of support groups that are available (Nar-Anon, Al-Anon, or Parents Forever). You’ve got a tough job too.