Alcohol & Drug Services Programs and Services
Alcohol and Drug Services Vision and Values Vision Empowering Yukoners to attain freedom from alcohol and other drug problems, in order to achieve health and wellbeing. Values 1. We value building compassionate, respectful relationships with our colleagues, clients, and communities. 2. We value the enhancement of health and wellness through learning and growing together. 3. We value ethical practice and professional growth. 4. We value a supportive and healthy workplace that creates meaningful solutions to challenging situations.
Alcohol and Drug Services Outreach Services Outreach Services works with community agencies to assist in developing strategies that help to address substance abuse issues in Yukon communities. Outreach Services assists communities to develop capacity in the areas of communitybased pre-treatment and aftercare programming. Program Planning Services Assistance for communities to develop plans that help to address alcohol and drug-related issues. Support for program development that meet the needs identified by partner agencies in the communities. Program planning, implementation and evaluation for allied community professionals. Consultation Services Assist communities in developing programs that address addiction-related issues. Aid the development of policies relevant to the delivery of addiction-related services. Support for allied professionals in understanding substance abuse in relation to other health and social problems. Provide assistance in identifying pre-treatment and aftercare program delivery resources. Aid in the development of funding proposals for projects related to promoting healthy communities. Outreach Services
Networking To identify opportunities where a coordinated approach will result in better and more comprehensive program or service delivery. To provide a liaison between Whitehorse treatment services and Yukon communities and agencies. To provide training and mentoring for community workers in the area of addictions program delivery and capacity-building. Client Support Provides treatment-related information and direct support navigating the referral processes for the Alcohol and Drug Services Inpatient Treatment Program. Post-program support for clients when they return to their home communities. For more information, contact Alcohol and Drug Services at 667-5777 or toll-free at 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5777.
Alcohol and Drug Services Prevention Services Prevention Services provides training on a range of addictions-related topics. Workshops designed for allied professionals and community groups are available on request. Training Events The prevention unit offers a series of addiction-related training for allied professionals. Workshops and training sessions are available throughout Yukon on a wide range of topics, from the effects of specific drugs on our bodies and brain to working with people struggling with substance addiction. Presentation and In-services We provide presentations and in-services that are designed specifically to your group s training needs. We tailor presentations for allied professionals, as well as information sessions for children, youth and adults. The prevention team aims to convey up-to-date information in a way that fosters a conversation and clarifies substance-use issues. Prevention Services
Consultation and Capacity-building We assist in the development of addiction prevention programming for Yukon communities. We work collaboratively with community partners to build local capacity through addiction-related training and consultation. In addition, we work in partnership with community members and allied professionals to help foster a supportive community environment in which individuals and groups can thrive. Resource Centre Allied professionals are welcome to borrow materials from our resource library on addiction-related topics. Our staff is available to provide assistance in identifying resource needs and navigating the resource library. Resources are also available on loan by mail for allied professionals in Yukon communities. Information for Everyone Pamphlets, booklets and brochures covering a variety of topics related to substance use and addiction issues are also available. This information is available at the prevention office or can be mailed. Prevention Services can tailor workshop topics and delivery to suit your needs. Please contact us at adsprevention@gov.yk.ca, or call 667-5777 or tollfree at 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5777.
Alcohol and Drug Services Detoxification Services The goal of the Detoxification Unit is to provide a supportive service to assist individuals in safely withdrawing, and recovering from, the effects of substance abuse or dependence. The Facility Located at the Sarah Steele building at 6118 Sixth Avenue in Whitehorse. The Detoxification Unit offers 24-hour care, 365 days per year to ambulatory and voluntary clients who want help to safely withdraw from substances. 10-bed facility with services for both men and women. Medically-supported facility: Staffed with Nurses, Recovery Unit Attendants, and a Social Worker; A contracted physician provides services two days per week, three hours per day; and A Communicable Disease Nurse visits the centre on a weekly basis. Detoxification Services All staff are trained in withdrawal management and in addiction recovery. We provide a safe, confidential and supportive environment with a high standard of compassionate care and professional treatment. Our staff support clients medically and emotionally to safely withdraw from substances while maintaining client dignity, privacy and respect. Detoxification Services
Admission Criteria Clients must be: Willing to voluntarily attend Detox; At least 16 years of age; Able to provide basic information on admission; Able to sign an admission consent form and consent to having a body/pack search; Able to attend to their own self-care; and Willing and able to answer questions about personal medical history and substance use. As well: Clients requiring further medical attention may be sent to WGH prior to admission. Clients demonstrating violent behaviour toward staff or other clients will not be admitted. Withdrawal Management Assessment is vitally-important in assisting clients to stabilize. Vital signs are recorded and monitored on all clients.
Other Supportive Programs Group discussions are held daily at 1:30 p.m. for Alcohol and Drug Services clients and sober former Detoxification Program clients. Educational videos on a variety of addictions or related topics are offered. When appropriate, clients attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in a downtown setting. Discharge Length of stay varies with each client. The average stay is three to five days. Length of stay depends on severity of withdrawal symptoms, health status and treatment plans. Clients who have been discharged from Detoxification Unit must wait 24 hours before readmission. We provide referrals to supportive agencies and other Alcohol and Drug Services programs such as: Live-In Treatment and Outpatient Addiction and Mental Health Counselling. While patients are strongly encouraged to attend outpatient appointments during their Detoxification program, attendance is voluntary. A recovery plan is completed prior to discharge.
Post-Discharge Recovery Support Daytime Contact: Former clients can come in on a daily basis and participate in recovery activities. Provide additional support for recovery. Support Materials: Pamphlets, reading material and handouts are available. Basic addictions information is available. Supportive Drop-in: Clients can come anytime for coffee and/or to talk with staff. This provides an additional link to clients experiencing a variety of issues resulting from substance abuse. Supportive Phone-in/After-hours: Former Detox clients or individuals experiencing distress in recovery can call 667-8473 or toll-free 1-800-661-0408, ext. 8473 from 8:30 am 5:00 pm. After 5:00 pm, Detoxification will accept collect calls at 867-667-8473. General phone inquiries from the public are also accepted. Referrals The majority of clients coming to Detoxification are self-referred. Referrals also come from the Detoxification Unit, Community Health Centres, wellness workers, the Salvation Army Shelter, the RCMP and Whitehorse General Hospital. For more information on the Detoxification Unit and other addiction services, please contact Alcohol and Drug Services at 667-5777 or or toll-free at 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5777, or contact Detoxification Unit directly at 667-8473 or toll-free at 1-800-661-0408, ext. 8473.
Alcohol and Drug Services Treatment Services The Treatment Services Unit offers three treatment options: outpatient treatment including an on-going Wednesday afternoon support group, inpatient treatment programs and youth treatment/counselling, prevention and education. Outpatient Treatment Services: Our outpatient treatment services team provides counselling, support and education for people who are concerned about their own or a family member s substance use. The following services are available: Screening and alcohol and drug assessment Treatment for mental health concerns combined with substance use Individual counselling and support to families Family counselling and couple counselling when appropriate Counselling in preparation for inpatient treatment Aftercare support following an inpatient treatment program Self-help groups and other support services Recovery support group on Wednesday afternoons Treatment Services
Inpatient Treatment Programs: Alcohol and Drug Services offers gender-specific four-week residential treatment programs. The inpatient treatment programs are open to adult residents of the Yukon. Inpatient Treatment explores the biological, psychological, emotional and behavioural factors which can lead to substance abuse and its effects on all major life areas. Please call 667-5777 or toll-free 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5777, or visit www.hss.gov.yk.ca/ads_inpatient.php for program dates. Youth Services: Alcohol and Drug Services offers addictions prevention, education and counselling/treatment services to students in grades 5 12 in Whitehorse schools. The Youth Addictions and Mental Health Counsellors offer partnerships with community youth organizations to provide counselling, training and capacity-building. We offer: Assessments, counselling, treatment and referrals to community support services Support and counselling to parents and families School-based prevention and counselling Educational workshops for teachers, parents and students Assistance in youth treatment camps and in-services For more information, contact Alcohol and Drug Services at 667-5777 or toll-free at 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5777.
Alcohol and Drug Services FAQs What is the cost of services provided by Alcohol and Drug Services? As a unit within the Government of Yukon, there is no charge for any Alcohol and Drug Services programs. Prevention: Do you work with youth groups? Prevention Services as well as the youth treatment counsellors work with a variety of youth groups or agencies to provide prevention/education information on alcohol and other drugs in a creative and interactive way. How do I go about getting a workshop or presentation organized for my agency/group? Simply call 667-5777 or toll-free at 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5777, and ask to speak with the Supervisor of Prevention Services. What kinds of workshops do you deliver? We are pleased to tailor a workshop or presentation to suit the needs of a particular group. Prevention Services also facilitates several scheduled Whitehorse-based workshops on various addiction and drug-related topics. Prevention Services would be pleased to discuss any training needs you have that relate to addictions issues. Call 667-5777 or toll-free at 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5777 to discuss customizing a workshop and for a list of scheduled workshops. Are Prevention Consultants counsellors? No, but we can connect you with our Treatment Services team that provide counselling and other related support services. FAQs
Detoxification: Do I have to be intoxicated or can I be sober in order to get into Detoxification? Clients coming into Detoxification are usually intoxicated or withdrawing from other drugs. We suggest that prospective clients (or a friend or family member) call in advance to discuss their particular circumstances and we can offer advice on ways that we can be of assistance. Am I obligated to stay? No, Detoxification clients can leave at any time. Detoxification provides a safe environment for clients to withdraw from drugs and/or alcohol. Detoxification provides a warm atmosphere and continued post-detox support. Can I have something to eat? Food is not offered immediately upon admission. However, a bit later a person may be able to have some broth. It will depend on the person s initial state of health. After a client has stabilized, they are offered three nutritious meals a day plus snacks. Can I have visitors? If a client wishes to have visitors, this can be discussed with staff. All visits must be arranged in advance. Treatment: How do I see a counsellor? There are two ways to see a counsellor, either by booking an appointment with the front desk at the Sarah Steele building at 6118 Sixth Avenue. You can also reach us at 667-5777 or toll-free at 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5777. For more information, contact Alcohol and Drug Services at 667-5777 or toll-free at 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5777.
How do I get into an inpatient treatment program? Persons who live in communities outside of Whitehorse can apply through their community health care service providers (i.e., doctor, nurse and NNADAP workers, wellness workers or Regional Social workers) who will help complete the Inpatient Treatment Program Referral and arrange for an interview with the Alcohol and Drug Services Intake Counsellor for the treatment team. Persons who want to self refer can do so by calling the toll free line (1-800-661-0408 ext 5777). You will be directed to an Intake Counsellor for an appointment. You must submit an application form and a physician/nurse practitioner referral form, and then participate in an intake interview with an ADS intake counsellor. Intake interviews may be done over the telephone for applicants outside of Whitehorse. When do I have to apply to get into an inpatient treatment program? The dates of the inpatient treatment programs are advertised throughout the year. In Whitehorse, persons who are interested in inpatient treatment can call ADS at 667-5777 and ask to see the Intake Counsellors for an intake appointment. Available spaces fill up quickly and applicants whose applications are received well before the deadline have a much better chance of securing a space. Outreach: Does ADS provide funding for community-based programs? Alcohol and Drug Services can assist communities in the identification of funding sources and the development of funding proposals, however Alcohol and Drug Services is not a funding agency. How often does the outreach worker travel to each community? Frequency of community visits depend on requests from each community. Once a partnership has been formed, and/or project development has begun, contact with a community may become more frequent.
Alcohol and Drug Services Health and Social Services Government of Yukon P.O. Box 2703 (H-7) 6118 6th Avenue Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6 Phone: 667-5777 Toll-free: 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5777