Problematic substance use intervention program

Problematic drug and alcohol use often negatively impacts health and quality of life.

Some common signs of problematic substance use include:

• neglecting responsibilities at work or home
• it is causing problems with relationships
• loss of control over use
• continued use despite knowing it is causing problems.

UBC HR is partnering with Boreal Wellness Centres on a 2-year pilot project to help faculty and staff, and their dependents, to reduce or stop problematic substance use. Boreal Wellness Centres’ Resilient Living™ Recovery teaches coping skills to build resilience and improve quality of life. This group therapy program takes place via a secure video conferencing platform.

Am I eligible for this program?

The program is designed for staff, faculty, or their dependents, experiencing mild to moderate problematic substance use. Resilient Living™ Recovery may be right for you if you are:

• Experiencing problematic substance use and desire to make changes
• Available to participate in a virtual program that meets for 2 hours once per week for 10 weeks
• Able to join a video session on your computer or tablet.

This program is not intended for persons experiencing:

• Unmanaged substance use such as:

1. consuming >35 alcoholic units weekly; or
2. binge drinking resulting in “black outs” several times per month; or
3. recent overdose or substance-related hospitalization

• Active suicidal ideation or hospitalization for self-harm in the last 30 days
• Psychosis or personality disorder
• Ongoing involvement with the legal system due to substance use issues

Learn more about additional substance use or addiction resources that may be right for you.  

If you are unsure if Resilient Living™ Recovery is suitable for you, contact Boreal Wellness Centres at (778) 725-0714 ext. 109.

How does the program work?

The core program is 10 weeks of 2-hour group meetings facilitated by two group therapists.  The meetings use secure video conferencing, making it accessible to people throughout British Columbia.  This harm reduction program uses acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention therapy to help participants make changes.  

ACT is a strategy to help a person cope with difficult emotions by acknowledging and accepting those feelings and then moving on.  This creates a psychological resiliency that can help free you from the habits that are a barrier to a meaningful and enjoyable life.

Motivational interviewing is helpful in treating addiction because it helps you develop your own reasons about why you should make changes.  With clarity on your reasons for reducing or stopping use, you are more likely to follow through on commitments to change behaviours.   

Relapse prevention therapy teaches you to anticipate and cope with potential relapse. Long term success is aided by identifying factors for success and identifying those situations that may prompt problematic use again.

The program consists of:

• intake interview with one of the group facilitators
• 2 hours of weekly group therapy sessions for 10 weeks (20 hours total)
• 5 x 30 minute individual sessions (2 ½ hours total)
• Additional counselling services and aftercare available based on individual needs and treatment goals

Enrolling in the program

There are two ways of enrolling in Boreal Wellness Centres’ Resilient Living™ Recovery program:

• The Stay at Work/Return to Work (RTW) or Work Reintegration & Accommodation Program (WRAP) can refer an employee to Boreal.

1. Find your RTW Advisor (Vancouver)
2. Contact WRAP (Okanagan)

• UBC faculty, staff, or their dependents can self-refer to Boreal Wellness Centres. Let Boreal know if you are an employee of UBC to qualify for preferred rates. Boreal self-referral

Program fees

There are two options for funding Boreal Wellness Centres’ Resilient Living™ Recovery program:

1. Funded by UBC’s Boreal pilot project

• When referred by a RTW Advisor or WRAP, the cost of treatment is funded through the pilot program.

2. Self-funded

When the staff, faculty member or their dependent self-refer to Boreal, they would be responsible for the program fees.

• Staff, faculty member, or their dependent can use their psychological extended health benefits for reimbursement.
• The cost for treatment will depend on the unique needs and treatment goals of the individual. At minimum, the program costs about $1,500 plus applicable taxes.

About Boreal Wellness Centres

Boreal Wellness Centres' group counselling programs and individual therapy are designed and delivered by specialists with decades of experience in psychological health and wellness.  The team includes psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, clinical counsellors, dietitians and fitness professionals. Their therapists and health providers are professionally accredited and registered to practice within British Columbia. Boreal Wellness Centres is an approved provider of mental health services to WorkSafeBC, the RCMP, and Veterans Affairs Canada.