Victoria Program Transforms Addiction Treatment with Online Care

A program in Victoria, British Columbia, is revolutionizing addiction treatment by offering online services that significantly reduce costs and make care more accessible. Home Based Recovery (HBR) claims to lower expenses by up to 70 percent, providing virtual outpatient treatment that has supported over 100 patients in the last three years. This approach allows clients to receive structured addiction care from home, enabling them to maintain work and family responsibilities.

According to Robert DeClark, executive director of HBR, the typical cost for six to eight weeks of inpatient treatment in British Columbia ranges from $35,000 to $60,000. The financial burden and time away from work are two significant barriers for individuals seeking recovery. DeClark stated, “By moving treatment into people’s real lives, we’ve removed much of the financial burden while keeping clinical standards high.”

Innovative Online Curriculum and Support

HBR’s program consists of a 30-day online curriculum that mirrors inpatient treatment. It combines individual therapy with long-term aftercare. Clients engage with daily psycho-educational content, grounding and meditation exercises, structured written tasks, and physical activities through an online platform. Each participant is paired with a registered therapist and can access up to 20 individual therapy sessions throughout their treatment. The entire process lasts for seven months, which includes six months of aftercare and recovery management following the initial program.

DeClark emphasized that the program is tailored for individuals in the early to mid-stages of substance use disorder. These are often people who are still employed and living with their families but are facing serious consequences due to addiction. “The idea that people need to hit rock bottom before seeking addiction care is a myth,” he explained. “Many recognize the problem early but need more support than weekly counselling and can’t step away for inpatient treatment.”

HBR addresses various substance and behavioral addictions, including alcohol, cocaine, stimulants, opioids, and gambling. Alcohol use disorder remains the most prevalent among clients, as noted by DeClark.

High Retention Rates and Future Aspirations

Since its inception just over three years ago, HBR has reported that about 70 to 75 percent of clients have completed the full seven-month program, a retention rate that DeClark describes as impressive for the industry. Currently, 13 clients are actively enrolled in the program.

While inpatient treatment is essential for some individuals, particularly those requiring medical detox, DeClark asserts that digital care fills a crucial gap in the treatment landscape. “We’re trying to make high-quality treatment accessible to more people,” he said. “Recovery shouldn’t depend on whether someone can afford to leave their life behind.”

HBR’s innovative approach demonstrates the potential of online addiction treatment, creating new pathways to recovery for individuals who might otherwise struggle to access necessary care. By leveraging technology, the program aims to improve the lives of those affected by addiction while addressing the financial and logistical challenges that often accompany traditional treatment methods.