Access Central: Same-day Access to Addiction Medicine & Substance Use Care (previously Service Link)

Addictions / Substance Use

Provided by Island Health

A toll-free line that provides same-day assessment and connection to substance use care, including Addiction Medicine, for the Island Health region.
Access Central is a toll-free line that provides same-day assessment and connection to substance use care, including Addiction Medicine. When someone calls Access Central, the care team supports the caller to make a plan, provides consultation, and conducts clinical assessments to match the caller with the most appropriate service that meets their needs and goals, including withdrawal management (detox), counselling, or treatment programs.

Who is Eligible?
  • Anyone living on Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands who is looking for help with substance use OR are a friend/family member looking for information or support
  • Individuals who want to cut down, use more safely, or stop using alcohol or drugs
  • Anyone worried about how alcohol or drugs are affecting life, work, or relationships
  • Those needing help managing withdrawal symptoms
  • Anyone looking to learn what treatment options are available on Vancouver Island
  • For those who are supporting a friend or family member, but isn’t sure where to start
  • There's no expectation or requirement to know which services are needed or applicable before calling Access Central
How to Access
  • A referral is not required
  • Individuals do not need to have a primary care provider in order to call Access Central
  • For a clinical assessment, information or help finding Addiction Medicine and substance use services, call Access Central at 1-888-885-8824
  • Hours of Operation are seven days a week from 9:00 AM - 7:45 PM
  • Voicemails can be left, and someone will return the call within 24hours

Island Health provides a range of services for individuals dealing with moderate to severe mental health and substance concerns - learn more here.

Toll Free: 1-888-885-8824

Website: https://www.islandhealth.ca/our...

Cost: No cost

Associated Programs/Services

Also offered by Island Health:

Just the closest matches listed. Click to see more!
Availability

Service area: Island Health Area + show cities

Service area cities: Saanichton, Kyuquot, Lake Cowichan, Denman Island, Fanny Bay, Sooke, Sayward, Port McNeill, Victoria, Black Creek, Mill Bay, Ladysmith, Port Alice, Cathedral Grove, Hornby Island, Quadra Island, Qualicum Beach, Alert Bay, Nanoose Bay, Ucluelet, Pender Island, Gold River, Port Alberni, Port Hardy, Cumberland, Campbell River, Penelakut Island, Courtenay, Nanaimo, Cortes Island, Mayne Island, Cobble Hill, Tofino, Galiano Island, Nitinaht, Shawnigan Lake, North Saanich, Coombs, Gabriola Island, Long Beach, Duncan, Saanich, Langford, Brentwood Bay, Sidney, Salt Spring Island, Saturna Island, Tahsis, Comox, Quathiaski Cove, Horne Lake, Chemainus, Lantzville, Sointula, Deep Bay, Parksville, Merville, and Bamfield

Service Types Provided
Ways to Access
  • Provided by phone

The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.

Pathways does not provide medical advice. If you have an emergency please call 9-1-1. If you require assistance navigating services please call 8-1-1.

For general inquiries or for assistance, please email us:

community-services@pathwaysbc.ca

If you are requesting clinical access to medical Pathways, please provide the following information via the email above:

  1. First Name
  2. Last Name
  3. Email
  4. In which city/town do you work?
  5. What is your role? E.g. Family Physician, Office Staff, Medical Resident
  6. Employer Name (for office staff)
  7. Office Phone

Click anywhere to close