Vancouver Coastal Health Detox Centre

To Whom It May Concern:I would like to share my experience with the staff members of Vancouver Detox located at 377 East 2nd.I have a loved one who is suffering from substance abuse, and has chosen to embark on treatment modalities frequently in order to tackle the addiction, and seek long term recovery.Given the nature of the recovery process which is often gruelling, and disorientating, the staff have repeatedly abused their positions during this delicate period of time. At several detox stays staff have administered increased dosage of medication without consent from the patient.This is an abuse of control over the rights of the patient. Many medications are extremely potent, and take long periods of time to taper off. Increasing doses without the full consent of the patient is a violation of human rights.The staff treat this facility like a jail, as opposed to having empathy and compassion for those seeking recovery. There is no ability for those who smoke cigarettes or cannabis to engage in these substances, and this makes recovering from lethal drugs incredibly difficult.In addition, to the concerns around abuse of power, staff have shown little to no understanding regarding basic requests from loved ones.I personally was mistreated while the intake process was underway staff would not allow time for a proper goodbye and rushed off the patient leading to anxiety and stress to all involved.When I called to request I give a proper goodbye to my loved one, I was approached aggressively by staff member Francis, who ordered me to leave and pushed the door, closing it in my face. Followed by ignorance of subsequent phone calls and then a threat from the clinical educator Karen, that they would call authorities if I didn’t leave. This all happened within five minutes, mind you.Furthermore, these staff notified my loved one my visitation rights were revoked. What exactly did I do except request to see my loved one a minute after intake, to warrant revoking visitation rights? This is not a prison, it's a rehab facility. There are absolutely no grounds for this. Please provide me a legitimate reason as to why requesting to see my loved one is grounds for ceasing visitation?During this interaction, a patient Denis who was exiting from being discharged, and witnessed the entire incident, was appalled at the treatment I was receiving and further testified that this place was “more of a jail”, and “the staff treated them like inmates and lack compassion”, and “they really push pills there”. Not to mention after a week of detox he left feeling as though he accomplished nothing.This lack of regard for the delicate circumstances surrounding recovery, and understanding to the complexities of making the process smooth and peaceful, is clear evidence that the staff here are lacking the needed level of compassion for this position, and instead are only concerned with financial gains.I’m greatly disappointed with the treatment of several loved ones who have spent time recovering from substance abuse at this location. I will be forwarding this letter to any outlets that will listen, and will be making a formal complaint to Vancouver Coastal Health. These issues must be addressed, and I will continue with this recognition until proper steps are taken.I will be speaking to the Vancouver Civil Liberties regarding the discrimination I have received today, and specifically regarding staff members Francis and Karen and my unjustified revocation of visitation rights.

PLACE Was excellent..Nurses Doctors Social workers & Staff.. You guys truly made me believe in myself..Love is in the air .You're friend JESSETHANKS SO SO MUCH

I want to thank everyone for the help and love I received while at Vancouver detox for 4 days, it only have been a week that I am out, but for the first time in a very long time I have hope....thank you

It seems to me these people dont do what is best for the patient. I've mentioned multiple times a translator is needes so there is no misunderstanding or miscommunication. They have someone there that speaks the same language and yet there was no translator, ESPECIALLY when the counselor has a heavy accent. I don't trust the workers there one bit. If you need detox, go to another place and avoid this particular location.

I would like to thank the Doctors,Nurses, Social workers, and cleaning and cooking staff you guys literally saved my life.All of you were very kind and understanding.