Interior Health expanding withdrawal services

April 12, 2022

As part of continued expansions in mental health and substance use supports, Interior Health is introducing new outpatient withdrawal management services in four communities and a new virtual option to make accessing care easier across the region.  

“When people with substance use challenges make the courageous decision to reach out for help, there needs to be services to meet them where they are at,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “With new outpatient withdrawal management options across the Interior, more people will be able to access the help they need – faster. This is just one step as our government continues to build a comprehensive and seamless continuum of mental health and additions care that works for all British Columbians.”

The outpatient model means a person doesn’t need to be admitted to a facility to receive withdrawal support. Instead, patients will receive care, including the prescribing of medications as required, in their own home.

“Each person’s experience with addiction, and path to recovery, is unique,” said Interior Health president and CEO, Susan Brown. “Interior Health is pleased to be expanding outpatient withdrawal services, and we are committed to supporting people across the region in their recovery journeys.”

In addition to creating a regional virtual addiction medicine clinic, new outpatient withdrawal management teams will run seven days a week in Penticton, Kamloops, Vernon and Kelowna.

The new nursing positions have been posted and recruitment is ongoing. Services will be implemented as these staff are hired and trained, with service starts anticipated by summer 2022.  

These new outpatients programs are in addition to expanded services in the North Okanagan, five new youth withdrawal management beds recently awarded in Kamloops, 22 adult withdrawal beds to serve people across the Okanagan, Integrated Treatment Teams to provide multidisciplinary outreach to people who need flexible support, and growing access to Opioid Agonist Treatment through IH’s nurse prescriber program.

For information on substance use services in Interior Health, visit interiorhealth.ca or call 310-MHSU (6478).

Quick facts:

  • Medically supported withdrawal management, sometimes called detox, is an important option for people with significant alcohol or other substance use concerns. Beyond physical and mental discomfort, withdrawal can cause medical complications that put people at risk of seizures, hallucinations, and even death.
  • The outpatient model is expected to be particularly helpful for people who may face barriers in accessing inpatient (bed-based) withdrawal management.

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Learn how to stay safe in B.C. waters when blue-green algae blooms, or cyanobacteria, are present.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Robert Gignac works hard to make Parkview Place in Enderby a site that residents are proud to call home and where staff are proud to serve at.

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

The Health & Housing Program launched the Extreme Cold Weather Grant in 2024, supporting 26 communities in providing essentials to vulnerable residents.

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture

A highly skilled registered nurse, Bettina was the missing piece needed to increase health-care services for residents in the hidden gem of Blue River.

6 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Your emergency kit should always include critical supplies like water, food, and a wind-up radio, but you can also add items that are unique to your situation.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

On July 1, 2025, Dr. Robinson will celebrate 10 years as a urologist at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH).

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!

mail