Online alcohol abuse program poised to accept Sask. clients

An online counselling program for alcoholics plans to take Saskatchewan clients starting Dec. 11.

Alavida, which launched in Vancouver last September, does not require clients to abstain. Instead, clients choose the extent to which they want reduce their alcohol use. They meet with counsellors and physicians via e-conferencing. The remote doctors also prescribe naltrexone, an opioid antagonist approved by Health Canada.

Clinical program director Lindsay Killam said abstinence is an option and describes Alavida’s program as a harm-reduction approach.

“It really is in North America the key messaging has always been abstinence, abstinence, abstinence, and for some people, abstinence is what they choose and what they desire to have in their life.”

Because everyone’s experience with alcohol is unique, not everyone needs or wants abstinence as their end goal, Killam said.

Naltrexone blocks the endorphins in the brain that reinforce drinking, she said.

“When we block those endorphins, people feel an improved sense of control over their alcohol ... when that compulsion to drink more is curbed, they are better able to then work on those learned behaviours, those triggers, over time that they’ve developed.”

Alavida costs $6,500 and is not covered by insurance carriers. The process can take anywhere from four months to a year to complete.

“By being able to do the confidential online service, we believe we’re creating that accessibility for all,” Killam said. “Having one central location ends up being a barrier for many people and being able to access the service. Being online opens that door for people to be able to get service when they want and where they want, which can really be an entry point for people to start addressing their alcohol use.”

Rand Teed is an addictions counsellor who developed the Drug Class program offered in Regina schools and educates people on drug and alcohol abuse prevention. Teed said he has seen people try to use naltrexone or acamprosate (a medication also used to treat alcohol addiction) to try to moderate their drinking.

“It really depends on the individual. Someone who has a fairly high level of substance use disorder generally has a really difficult time managing that ... People that are typically more in the weekly binge drinking category potentially can have more benefit from either of drugs.”