The Intake Team can pick up new arrivals from the airport, ferry or within the lower mainland by car. 

Pick-ups are scheduled with the intake worker.

We offer treatment services for all substances including: alcohol, cocaine, crack-cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, MDMA, ecstasy, marijuana, GHB, and ketamine. We also offer services for process addictions like sex, gambling, video games, shopping, and food.

Non-BC residents, or those without valid MSP coverage, may be billed for any services related to medical care by the professional providing that service. This can include doctor visits, ambulance transportation, emergency room visits, hospitalization, outside counselling services, massage therapy, dental, etc. The resident is also required to cover any costs associated with medications. Any amounts owing will have to be paid directly to the service provider.

Northstar provides all your towels and bedding. Please bring a maximum of one carry-on bag and one suitcase of weather appropriate clothing, outdoor wear, shoes, toiletries, prescribed medications, and other small comforts like a notebook or mp3 player. If you smoke or vape, please bring an ample supply with you, such as a carton of cigarettes and a week's worth of vaping supplies.

You will not have access to your bank or credit cards and will have limited access to cash until you have stabilized in the program.

Scroll down for a more detailed list.

All medications and supplements must be stored securely by Northstar Recovery staff in accordance with Vancouver Coastal Health guidelines. Medications are dispensed as prescribed at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime. Our Client Care Department will arrange off-site dispensing.

It is suggested that new residents store their furniture, vehicles, and extra belongings in a storage facility at their own cost. Northstar Recovery does not have the space to store large amounts of personal belongings.

During the initial stabilization, you will not have access to your personal cellphone. After stabilization, most residents are then allowed access to their devices. There is also a house phone line you can access. 

More details will be provided during your intake assessment.

You can request access to your cell phone to make personal phone calls and conduct banking when needed, generally outside of group or counselling times.

Friends and family are welcome and encouraged to visit you during your stay at Northstar after your stabilization period, however visits must be planned and approved by the Client Care Department and must take place during free time.

Primary care residents cannot work while attending the treatment program.

After graduation, residents who decide to stay in our Sober Living program are encouraged to work, volunteer, or return to school.

Generally, you'll want to bring the following items:

• A week’s worth of outfits that you can layer depending on the weather

• Clothing free from drug-related references or offensive language

• Comfortable sleepwear

• Non-revealing workout clothing (some centers may not allow leggings or cropped shirts)

• One-piece swimsuits

• Sneakers for outdoor activities

• Shower shoes or flip flops

• Jewelry that you wear every day, such as a wedding ring or watch

• Sweater or jacket for indoors

• Slippers or indoor shoes

As a rule, avoid bringing expensive clothing, shoes or jewelry with you. Don’t bring any valuables you might take off and lose during treatment.

Bring the basic toiletries and hygiene products that you use daily, such as:

• A toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Alcohol-free mouthwash

• Basic makeup essentials, if desired

• Feminine products

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Face wash and moisturizer

• Lotion

• Lip balm

While packing your toiletries, be sure to double-check each label for alcohol. If alcohol is an ingredient in the product, please leave it at home.

Be sure to pack your important documents, forms of identification and other essentials, including:

• A form of identification, like a driver’s license or province-issued ID

• Health insurance card

• A prescription card or pharmacy card

• A small amount of cash, if desired (Clients will have a petty cash account monitored by program staff)

You can bring your wallet to treatment, but typically you won’t need a credit or debit card while in rehab until you are taken off restrictions..

If you regularly take medications, be sure to pack your:

• Prescription medications, in their original packaging

• Liquid medicines, if applicable, in its new and unopened packaging

• A list of prescribed medications and dosages for each, which will help inform your medical team

You might not have access to your medication after you check in to rehab, but it will help the care team understand your medical needs better. Some medications and supplements may not be allowed at the facility, so always ask before packing items like:

• Medications containing alcohol

• Narcotic medications

• Over-the-counter medications

• Nutritional supplements

While your focus will be on learning about recovery and taking part in activities to help you get better, there will be some downtime in rehab. To keep yourself occupied during these periods, feel free to pack:

• A sketchbook

• A journal or notebook

• A book or devotional (ask which types of books are acceptable to bring)

• Some items can distract you during rehab and should be left at home.

• Alcohol and illicit drugs

• Drug paraphernalia

• Any product containing alcohol (e.g., mouthwash, hand sanitizer, nail polish remover)

These items are strictly prohibited to maintain a safe and substance-free environment for all participants.

• Aerosol products (e.g., hair spray, cleaning sprays)

• Opened vitamin bottles and supplements

• Excessive makeup or jewelry

To reduce risks and distractions, only basic  personal suppliment items are allowed. Please check with staff before bringing any vitamins or supplements.

• Clothing with drug/alcohol references or explicit content

Northstar Recovery supports a respectful and distraction-free atmosphere; modest and appropriate attire is expected.

• Laptops, tablets, digital cameras

• E-readers, smartwatches

• Any device with internet or camera access

These devices can interfere with treatment and privacy; they should be left at home.

• Weapons (e.g., pocket knives, sharp objects)

• Unopened food and drink

• Candles or incense

These items pose safety, storage, or fire hazards and are not permitted on-site.