Treatment Programs Information

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We want you to enter treatment feeling fully informed and aware of the commitment you are making to yourself. Please read on for answers to some common questions about the program. If you have other questions, please contact our Intake Counsellors:

Men’s Treatment – email or (604) 646-6856.
Diane Harwood Center for Women – email or (604) 646-6842.

Tuesday, 11 AM to 1 PM | Thursday, 11 AM to 1 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I want to seek treatment, but I don’t have a source of income.

    Finances should not be a barrier to your recovery!
    We have a number of program spaces available at no cost, in both the Men’s Treatment program and the Diane Harwood Centre for Women. If those are full and you are eligible for social assistance (welfare), we can help you apply to the Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction. On a case-by-case basis, we may have other funding resources to help you access treatment.

    Please phone our Intake Counsellor to talk about your application to discuss your options.

  • Do you accept clients taking opiate agonist therapy (OAT)?

    Yes, we welcome clients who have a stable prescription for Methadone, Methadose, Suboxone, or Kadian. OATs are delivered on-site and dispensed once daily each morning, by our pharmacy provider. We are unable to accommodate multiple dispense times for OAT. We do not allow OAT tapers during the first 90 days of the program. We are not able to accommodate fentanyl patches.

    Please discuss your prescription with the Intake Counsellor.

  • Can I smoke cigarettes or vape nicotine products?

    Yes, smoking and vaping of nicotine products is allowed outside in designated smoking areas only, a minimum of 6 metres away from entrances. Please note, access to designated smoking areas is currently restricted overnight. Smoking cessation support is also available, for clients who are ready to stop smoking.

  • I have a disability or chronic health condition.

    Please speak to our Intake Counsellor to discuss your specific needs. This will allow us to work together to explore possible accommodations or adaptations. Generally, clients must be capable of participating fully and independently in our programs. Our facilities are wheelchair accessible.

  • Can I use my cell phone? What about a computer or TV?

    You can use a cell phone while you are in program, but only outside of program hours. Computers and TVs are not permitted in treatment rooms – you’ll have access to TV in the lounges, and computers through the Learning Centre.

  • What should I bring with me?

    We ask that you bring a maximum of two bags of belongings at intake. Please note that all belongings need to fit into a small wardrobe. Storage is limited, so belongings that do not fit into the space provided will not be permitted. 

    Items you will need:
    •    Your TB test results
    •    Personal hygiene products
    •    Casual clothing, including closed-toe shoes and long pants (required for community meals). 
    •    An alarm clock
    •    A bag for laundry
    •    A journal 
    •    A water bottle with a lid.
     
    Please do not bring:
    •     Drug paraphernalia
    •     Weapons
    •     Large sums of money /valuables
    •     Computer 
    •     Open over-the-counter supplements or medications. 
    •     Do not wear or bring clothing depicting/promoting drug or alcohol use, violence, sex, or inappropriate language.

    Clothing should be comfortable, casual, and weather-appropriate. Tops should fully cover chests and stomachs. Bottoms should be thigh-length or longer.

  • What kind of amenities do your facilities have?

    Treatment clients have access to a comfortable lounge with cable TV, a pool table, table tennis, and a library of novels, reference books, and board games. Our rooftop garden is also available after program hours.

  • Can I have visitors?

    Visitors are welcomed into our visitation space during specific visitation hours. You can visit with other clients within your program in resident rooms before curfew, with the door open during the visit.

  • Can I bring prescription medications or over-the-counter medications with me?

    Please discuss your circumstances with the Intake Counsellor. As a licensed community care facility, we follow strict protocols for medication management and administration. All prescriptions must be filled through our pharmacy provider.  Prior to Intake, all prescriptions can be faxed to our pharmacy with a daily dispense note from the physician. All medications, including over-the-counter items, are kept in our medication room. All over the counter supplements and medication must be sealed and will need to be approved by our pharmacy. Medications are available during four schedule medication times each day.

  • I have hepatitis C. Can I start treating it while I’m in the program?

    We will work with you and your medical team to determine an appropriate start time, on a case-by-case basis.

  • I have outstanding criminal charges.

    Each situation is assessed individually. Clients must be able to fully participate in the program for the full 90 days of Phase 1. Please reach out to our Intake Counsellor to discuss your specific charges and anticipated timeline for court appearances.

  • I am on provincial probation.

    We accept individuals on BC probation, at the discretion of program staff. Please note that we do not monitor conditions, report breaches or communicate with your probation officer for provincial probation unless agreed on prior to your intake. 

  • How do I get to Harbour Light on public transit?

    We are very centrally located for transit riders. Please use Translink’s trip planning tools to find your best route.

    • Bus: the 3, 4, 7, 8, 14, 16, 19, 20, 22, 50, and many other buses stop within 1-3 blocks of Harbour Light.
    • Canada Line, Skytrain, or Seabus: we are a 10 minute walk from Waterfront station.
    • Skytrain: we are a 10 minute walk from Stadium-Chinatown, and Main Street-Science World stations.

      We are unable to assist with organizing transportation to our facility.

  • Do I really have to do chores?

    Yes, this is a requirement of our program. We view service work as a key element of the recovery process. It is about giving back to the community, building skills and humility. This is a shared healing space. We each play a role in keeping it tidy, comfortable and safe.

  • Do I have to clean my room?

    Your room should be kept clean and neat at all times. Rooms are inspected periodically, and may be inspected without notice. No food or drinks (other than water) are allowed in your room.

  • Is there a fitness room at Harbour Light?

    Currently there is no fitness equipment available however there will be a small fitness centre for the Men’s Treatment program on site when we move into our new building. There is no on-site fitness centre access for the Diane Harwood Centre for Women. 
    Upon intake, staff can refer you to The Leisure Access Program for reduced or no-cost access to community centres, fitness centres, pools & rinks. The nearest fitness centre is a 14-minute walk. 

  • Can I leave on my own?

    During the first 30-days of your stay you will be on a buddy-system, meaning you cannot leave the building unless accompanied by a senior resident. After your initial 30-days, you may leave the building outside of program hours provided you use our sign in/out sheet and note your destination.

  • Can I work while in treatment?

    No. Employment is not permitted in Pre-Treatment, Phase 1, and Phase 2 to ensure that recovery is your primary focus. Employment is allowed (and encouraged!) starting in Phase 3 outside of mandatory programming. Our Education & Skills Development Counsellor can support you in preparing for this step.

  • Do I get my own room?

    Currently, new residents are initially placed in shared dorms until single rooms become available. We will be moving to a new building where each resident will have their own room and bathroom upon intake. 

  • Is the program co-ed?

    Harbour Light’s Men Treatment program and Women’s (the Diane Harwood Centre for Women) Treatment programs each have separate designated facilities within the Harbour Light building. While most programming is program-specific, the following is attended by both programs: daily service in our Community Food Line, a weekly 12-step spirituality group, weekly baseball in the Spring and Summer.

    Please note, couples cannot be accommodated due to our non-fraternization policy.

  • Do I need to be abstinent from drugs and alcohol prior to intake?

    People are expected to be able to provide a clean urinalysis upon intake. We recognize that everyone metabolizes substances at a slightly different rate and will work with you to determine the appropriate time for your intake. We may ask for proof of medical clearance prior to your intake from a detox facility. 

    We are an abstinent focused building and do not permit active use in house. 

    Please discuss any concerns with the intake counsellor.

  • Is Pre-Treatment Mandatory?

    Yes, upon intake, you will initially be placed in our pre-treatment program to prepare you to enter the 90-day Substance Use Program (Phase 1). Pre-treatment gives residents time to adjust to a new environment and expectations, settle outside business, and learn early-recovery coping strategies prior to diving into weekly assignments and individual counselling sessions. 

    • Monday, 11 AM to 1 PM | Wednesday, 4 PM to 5:30 PM | Friday, 11 AM to 1 PM