Vancouver Addiction Centre

Vancouver Addiction Centre is the result of a growing need for an inclusive approach to managing addiction. The fragmented manner in which addiction is often managed leaves gaps in care that often result in clients 'falling between the cracks'. An example is when clients attempt to break their constant use of alcohol or a narcotic. The client suffers initially some fairly disruptive withdrawal symptoms. These may be managed by a doctor - who could end up prescribing an equally addictive substitute. In the meantime the emotional and social aspects of the withdrawal continue unchecked. Perhaps counselling steps in to support the client at some level, but their overall sense of wellbeing continues to suffer. And where is nutrition in this process? Certainly the physician has too little time to look at the clients changing dietary needs, and the counselor is not well equipped to do so either. Just to make it even more realistic, their has to be someone addressing questions relating to the social aspects of addiction - many addicts attempt to go through withdrawal during the emotional turmoil of failing relationships. It is entirely unsurprising that so many attempts to break addiction fail. They are poorly planned, poorly executed and have minimal hope for success. Vancouver Addiction Centre is here to address the entire issue. We work with teens to seniors, and we adopt a confidential and non judgemental approach.

Rob Hadley CHT., - Program Director

In the years I have been working in addictions one overwhelming truth has become apparent. There are few solutions that adequately manage addiction in the modern healthcare system. Some will attempt to impose abstinence – but few address the root causes of the problem. The symptom is often treated ineffectively - the cause rarely addressed.

As a result, few people who have issues with addictions ever really find relief. Instead they find themselves reinforcing negative behavior by saying things like “Hi, I’m John and I am an addict…” Additionally, the response of conventional medicine is (almost unbelievably) to prescribe antidepressants and often simply make matters substantially worse.

After training in hypnotherapy and learning a great deal about addiction I started taking addictions clients.  My experience grew and my success treating addictions with it. Ultimately the successful counseling and treatment has resulted in us developing an inclusive approach to the clients health and addressing the addiction – and, most importantly, it’s causes. Our system is quite unique in that it works with emotional, physical and social aspects of addiction.

Kari Blaney CHt. - Lead Therapist

Kari trained in a two year therapist program and has worked with many addictions clients. She brings a fresh approach and has substantial success to her credit, particularly in her work with Gambling Addictions - one of the most trying areas of addictions work. Trained to the highest Technical HYpnotherapy Association standards, she is ideally positioned to help clients get a fresh start and move on with their lives.

Our  Staff:

Our therapists have been trained in counseling and hypnotherapy. Additionally they are selected for their experience in wider aspects of life that contribute positively to our work. We employ personal trainers, psychotherapists and nutritionists from time to time as well as our principal staff members.