Vancouver

The Rapid Access Addiction Clinic (RAAC) in Victoria supports individuals with opioid and/or alcohol use disorders by starting them on opioid agonist treatment (OAT) and/or on anti-craving medication for alcohol use disorders.
The RAAC treatment approach is that of short-term stabilization, with the goal of:

1. Starting and stabilizing clients on OAT or anti-craving medications
2. Connecting clients to supports & community resources
3. Transferring clients to their primary care provider, an Urgent and Primary Care Clinic (UPCC), or a long‑term OAT prescriber (transfer typically occurs within a few weeks to a few months).

Services Offered at RAAC:

• Assessment, withdrawal management, and provision of Take Home Naloxone,
• Withdrawal management support including how to reduce harm to oneself and others,
• Supportive transitions to community services and supports such as referrals to social & peer support services,
• Treatment planning supported by RAAC social workers and a peer support outreach worker.
• Opioid Use Disorder-specific: Buprenorphine (Suboxone), Sublocade, Methadone, or Slow Release Oral Morphine (SROM-Kadian), and Fentanyl patches.
• Alcohol Use Disorder-specific: Individualized medical support for anti-craving medication, Naltrexone, and Acamprosate.

RAAC Eligibility & How to Access:

• Accepts referrals from physicians and clinicians (see Physician Information below for more information), although clients are encouraged to self refer.
• Clients must attend in-person to the RAAC site in Victoria, however anyone living in the Island Health Authority area is eligible to access these services if they are willing to travel to Victoria.
• Patients connected with Victoria's Mental Health & Substance Team should discuss accessing services at RAAC with their case managers
• Individuals aged 19+ can access RAAC services, but clients as young as 17 may be seen if they are living independently and are out of school. The team will meet with walk-in clients of any age struggling with opioid use disorder to ensure they are connected to an OAT provider the same day whenever possible.
• Opioid Use Disorder treatment & services (OAT) can be accessed by individuals of all ages. Clients are encouraged to self refer by calling or walking-in during operating hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the 1119 Pembroke Street site; 250-519-3776).
• Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) treatment and services are available to clients aged 19+. Self referrals are also encouraged; please call the clinic at 250-519-3776 for more information about how to access

Addiction Medicine & Substance Use (AMSU) Navigation Link for Clients/Patients: This service link central access phone number will provide help for clients navigating Island Health services for substance use, harm reduction and mental health. People seeking these services can call 1-888-885-8824 to speak directly with an Access Link provider. Note: This is not a line for health professionals to initiate a referral.