A clinic designed to help people with drug and alcohol problems is moving to online-only services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
UBC Okanagan’s Problematic Substance Clinic, founded in 2018 by clinical psychology and professor of psychology Zach Walsh, provides treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Walsh said the service is seeing greater demand than ever.
"Evidence suggests that problematic substance use is on the rise during the pandemic – we’re trying to fill a crucial gap in our community for folks in need of support," he said.
The move to online treatment could also benefit people living in more isolated parts of the Okanagan, UBCO explained.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, meanwhile, has said that coronavirus-related restrictions could be leading to an increase in substance use disorders.
“I want people in the Okanagan to know that there’s support available to help reduce harms associated with using drugs like alcohol, opioids and others, even during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Walsh said.
“We’re here to help, whether people want to cut back, quit or just change how they use.”
He added: “We meet people where they are at, in a non-judgemental, supportive environment — that’s the care you can expect from this clinic.”
Walsh said he has an “excellent team” of doctoral students under his supervision to help deliver the treatment.
The service charges fees according to what those seeking help are able to pay.
Those looking for further information are invited to visit the clinic’s webpage.
