Calgary Detox
Calgary Detox
Welcome to the Calgary detoxification page. Typically, when individuals or their family members are looking for detox resources they are in crisis. With crisis bring confusion. Where can I get help? How fast can I get in? This page will help you navigate the detoxification system in Calgary, Alberta.
Do You Need Treatment? Do You Need Detox?
People often confuse the term ‘detox’ with ‘treatment’ so let’s clarify what both words mean. Detox means dealing with the physical aspects of consuming too much drugs or alcohol. The length of stay in a typical Edmonton detox is overnight to 7 days. Many clients are discharged after one overnight stay because there is so much demand for beds in a typical Calgary detox.
Treatment, on the other hand, addresses the psychological aspects of substance abuse and addiction. The length of stay in treatment can vary from several weeks to several months. A type of residential treatment known as support recovery or sober living can last anywhere from 6 months to several years.
Calgary Detoxes Don’t Address the Psychological Aspects of Addiction
The majority of Calgary detoxes don’t provide counselling or talk therapy. If you are looking for a program that addresses the psychological aspects of drug addiction or alcoholism consider residential treatment. Our addiction program, Sunshine Coast Health Center, is a short 25 minute flight from Vancouver and admissions can be scheduled within a few days. Sunshine Coast also has a medical detox so no clean/sober time is required prior to admission. We receive many clients from Calgary and southern Alberta who come to us for immediate assistance and want comprehensive, longer terrm treatment. For more information contact our Admissions Coordinator toll-free at 1(866) 487-9010, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or go to our Contact Us page to send us an email.
Most Detoxes in Calgary are No Charge
It is important to note that there is no charge for detox at the programs list below if you are a resident of Alberta and have provincial health care.
Don’t Detox Alone
Think again if you are considering detoxing alone at home. Detoxing from alcohol or alcohol combined with certain drugs can be life-threatening. If you are travelling to be admitted into a detox take a cab, a bus or get a ride from a sober friend or family member. If your admission to alcohol detox is delayed consider small sips of alcohol rather than going cold turkey during the hours leading up to your detox admission. For more information on withdrawing from alcohol refer to the following alcohol information page.
Central Referral Lines for Calgary Detox Services and Online Nursing Support
If you wish to speak to a medical professional about your detox from drugs or alcohol contact Health Link Alberta. Whether you’re calling for yourself or a loved one, Registered Nurses at Health Link Alberta will assess your symptoms and determine the most appropriate care. That option might be advice for self-care at home, an appointment with your family physician or a visit to the nearest urgent care or emergency department. Access is 24 hour, 7 day a week and support is provided by experienced registered nurses and other health-care professionals. Their phone number in Alberta is toll-free 1(866) 408-5465 (LINK) or (403) 943-5465 (LINK). To view online health information visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
There is currently no central referral line for Calgary detox programs. Please contact the detoxes listed below directly.
Detox Programs Located Outside of Calgary, but Within Alberta
If you are willing and able to leave Calgary you can access detoxes in other towns and cities within Alberta. For more information visit our Edmonton Detox page at www.edmontondetox.com or the Alberta Detox page at www.albertadetox.com.
Adult Calgary Detox Programs
Alpha House is a funded agency of Alberta Health Services. Detoxification and withdrawal management is generally five to seven days, accommodating both men and women 18+. There are 20 beds for men, 10 beds for women, and 12 transitional beds. Clients are monitored in a non-medical environment. Methadone Program clients are supported.
Calgary Alpha House
203 15 Avenue SE
Calgary, AB T2G 1G4
Phone: (403) 234-7388 ext.2
E-mail: info@alphahousecalgary.com
Website: www.alphahousecalgary.com
Clients admitted to Renfrew Recovery must be at the centre by or before 7:45am. Priority is given to clients most in need of withdrawal assistance. There are 40 beds for a medically supervised withdrawal for adults 18 and older.
Renfrew Recovery Detoxification Centre
1611 Remington Road NE
Calgary, AB T2E 5K6
Phone: (403) 297-3337
Fax: (403) 297-4592
Toll-free: 1(866) 332-2322
Website: www.albertahealthservices.ca/facilities.asp?pid=facility&rid=67
Calgary Detox Services for Hospitalized Patients
Ask for the Peter Lougheed Addiction Network. Facilitates inpatient referral for medical detoxification. A medical referral is required. Detox services are only provided to patients who are in the hospital for other health conditions, if detox is the only reason to be admitted clients are referred to Renfrew Recovery Detoxification Centre.
Addiction Network – Peter Lougheed Centre
3500 26 Avenue NE
Calgary, AB T1Y 6J4
Phone: (403) 943-2588
Website: www.albertahealthservices.ca/facilities.asp?pid=facility&rid=2
Ask for the Rockyview Addiction Network. Facilitates inpatient referral for medical detoxification. A medical referral is required. Detox services are only provided to patients who are in the hospital for other health conditions, if detox is the only reason to be admitted clients are referred to Renfrew Recovery Detoxification Centre.
Rockyview General Hospital
7007 14th St. SW
Calgary, AB T2V 1P9
Phone: (403) 943-3810
Website: www.albertahealthservices.ca/facilities.asp?pid=facility&rid=3
Youth Calgary Detox Programs
The Youth Detox and Stabilization Program focuses on a planned intake supporting safe withdrawal from drugs or alcohol, and includes engagement and treatment planning. This 6-10 day program requires a referral from an Alberta Health Services counsellor and is not a drop-in clinic. Family is encouraged. This program is voluntary and requires the capability and willingness to participate, cannot be actively suicidal, must be able to function in a group environment.
Youth Detox and Stabilization
Calgary Addiction Youth Services
1005-17 Street NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2E5
Phone: (403) 297-4664 or -297-4668
Fax: (403) 297-4668
Email: Not Available
Website: www.albertahealthservices.ca/services.asp?pid=facility&rid=68
Private Alcohol and Drug Detox Program
For Calgarians who choose not to use the government-funded detox, one option is to travel to British Columbia for private alcohol and drug detox. Sunshine Coast Health Center www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca offers a five-day detox staffed with the finest in medical detoxification expertise. For more information please call toll-free 1(866) 487-9010.
