Frequently Asked Questions

How can I determine if I, or a friend or family member has an alcohol or drug addiction?

Drug addiction and/or alcoholism progresses from problem drinking or drugging to developing a chemical dependency.  The following questions will assit you in determining if you, or a friend or family member may have developed a chemical dependency to alcohol and/or drugs.  

Has anyone ever suggested you quit or cut back on your drug/alcohol use?
Yes___ No___

Has drinking or using affected your reputation?
Yes___ No___

Have you made promises to control your drinking or using and then broken them?
Yes___ No___

Have you ever switched to different drinks or drugs or changed your using pattern in an effort to control or reduce your consumption?
Yes___ No___

Have you ever gotten into financial, legal, or marital difficulties due to using?
Yes___ No___

 Have you ever lost time from work because of using or drinking?
Yes___ No___

Have you ever sneaked or hidden your use?
Yes___ No___

On occasion, do you feel uncomfortable if alcohol or your drug is not available?
Yes___ No___

Do you continue drinking or using when friends or family suggest you have had enough?
Yes___ No___

Have you ever felt guilty or ashamed about your drinking or using or what you did while under the influence?
Yes___ No___

Has your efficiency decreased as a result of your drinking or using?
Yes___ No___

When using or drinking, do you neglect to eat properly?
Yes___ No___

Do you use or drink alone?
Yes___ No___

Do you use or drink more than usual when under pressure, angry, or depressed?
Yes___ No___

Are you able to drink or use more now without feeling it, compared to when you first started using?
Yes___ No___

Have you lost interest in other activities or noticed a decrease in your ambition as a result of your drinking or using?
Yes___ No___

Have you had the shakes or tremors following heavy drinking or using or not using for a period of time?
Yes___ No___

Do you want to drink or use at a particular time each day?
Yes___ No___

Do you go on and off the wagon?
Yes___ No___

Is drinking or using jeopardizing your job?
Yes___ No___

If you answer "yes" to one or more of the above questions, you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use but you may not necessarily have developed a chemical dependency.  If you answer "yes" to three or more of the above questions we at Sage encourage you to closely evaluate your drug and/or alcohol use.

To discuss your addiction concerns or to arrange for a confidential screening contact:

Clinical Director - Ed Biberdorf   250-374-6551  ext 110   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Clinical Counsellor - Sue Adamson   250-374-6551 ext 114   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

How do I get referred to Sage Health Centre?

Self referrals are welcome to contact us directly; referrals are also co-ordinated by family members, counsellors, employee assistance programs, extended medical programs or physicians.

For general admission information contact:

Finance - Bob Davern    250-374-651 ext 117    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For admissions and program information contact:

Clinical Director - Ed Biberdorf   250-374-6551  ext 110    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Clinical Counsellor - Sue Adamson  250-374-6551 ext 114    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Do I have to go to Detox first before being eligible for treatment?

Clients are required to abstain from mood altering substances for a minimum of 5 days prior to entering treatment.  Medical detox ensures physical safety during an acute withdrawal phase; detox requirements depend on the substance use history including: the substances used and the length and frequency of use. Detoxification requirements are determined during the confidential initial telephone screening and can arranged at no additional charge. 

To arrange for a confidential screening contact:

Clinical Director - Ed Biberdorf   250-374-6551  ext 110   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Clinical Counsellor - Sue Adamson   250-374-6551 ext 114   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Is smoking allowed at Sage Health Centre?

Yes, smoking is allowed while in treatment.  Although this facility does not enforce smoking cessation, options such as Champix, nicotine patches and/or nicotine gum are available upon request. Clients are educated regarding the addiction cycle and are encouraged to discontinue smoking within the first six months of recovery.

Do I need to have a medical exam and/or a Tuberculosis test done prior to entering treatment?

No.  A medical exam and TB test will be performed by one of our three resident  Physicians upon admission into our program. 

How long is the treatment program?

Sage Health Centre offers three - 28 day phases of abstinence-based residential treatment programs that are presented from a strengths perspective that motivates clients to define and utilize their existing skills and assets top promote self-efficacy in their recovery process.

Sage Health Center’s Phase IV support-recovery program offers a safe environment as clients reintegrate into the community and continue to develop a foundation in recovery.   Clients must complete Phase III of treatment to be eligible to attend Phase IV support-recovery. Click program discription for more information.

For admission and program information contact:

Clinical Director - Ed Biberdorf   250-374-6551  ext 110   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Clinical Counsellor - Sue Adamson   250-374-6551 ext 114   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sage Health Center is located on secluded private property in the heart of Kamloops, BC and is within walking distance of all amenities.  Our home style facilities offer semi-private and private rooms is located at:

101 Columbia Street,

Kamloops, BC  V2C 2S7

How much does treatment cost?

As Sage Health Centre is a not-for- profit, private agency, it offers self-referred clients and EFAP referral agencies an affordable alternative to other comparable private residential alcohol and drug treatment programs.  Click under Client Referral for the fee structure.

For general admission inquiries contact:

Finance - Bob Davern   250-374-651 ext 117    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

How do I get further information about Sage Health Centre?

For general admission inquiries contact:

Finance - Bob Davern   250-374-651 ext 117   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For admission and program information contact:

Clinical Director - Ed Biberdorf   250-374-6551  ext 110   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Clinical Counsellor - Sue Adamson   250-374-6551 ext 114   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it