Substance Use, Overuse & Dependency

Clinical Overview

Substance and behavioral overuse often co-occur with anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and sleep disturbance. Neuroadaptation within reward pathways increases cravings and reduces stress tolerance. Early, compassionate intervention improves outcomes.

How Vital Life Holistic Supports You

We provide nursing-guided education and recovery-oriented wellness support:

• Confidential screening & readiness assessment

• Detox education & safety planning (what to expect, red flags, when to seek care)

• Craving and stress management (nervous system tools, nutrition for stabilization)

• Sleep and mood support (routine building, circadian alignment)

• Relapse-prevention skills (trigger mapping, coping plans)

• Care coordination (referrals to medical detox, addiction medicine, counselling)

Scope note: We do not provide medical detox or addiction treatment. Clients with dependence or withdrawal risk are referred for medical care.

Safety & Emergency Pathways (BC)

• Overdose, severe withdrawal, or medical emergency: Call 911.

• Urgent assessment: Emergency Department or UPCC.

• Addiction medicine & withdrawal management: Access Health Authority services (including inpatient withdrawal management and outpatient addiction clinics).

• Poison Control (Canada): For exposure advice.

References 

• American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2020). ASAM clinical practice guideline on alcohol withdrawal management.

• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022). Drugs of abuse; Principles of drug addiction treatment.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). TIP 63: Medications for opioid use disorder.

• Volkow, N. D., & Boyle, M. (2018). Neuroscience of addiction. The New England Journal of Medicine, 379, 1211–1221.