Recovery is possible for everyone. But for recovery to be truly accessible, equitable, and sustainable across British Columbia, the system around people must be strong, connected, and grounded in evidence.
That is where the BC Addiction Recovery Association comes in.
BCARA works as a provincial backbone organization for BC’s recovery sector. Its role is to support recovery providers, strengthen quality and consistency, share knowledge, and bring a unified voice to decision-makers. BCARA’s work is guided by four key priorities: knowledge exchange, a comprehensive service model, quality improvement, and advocacy and representation.
Across the province, BCARA’s membership reflects a wide-reaching recovery sector. The association represents 60 members across 32 communities, including licensed, accredited, and registered organizations, as well as professionals working in recovery. Together, this network helps show that recovery services are not isolated programs. They are part of a larger continuum of care that supports people, families, and communities.
The latest impact snapshot also shows the scale of this work. BCARA member organizations collectively serve an estimated 44,346 people each year. The survey also highlights the strength of the recovery workforce, with reported staff, volunteers, and peer-led supports playing a major role in extending the reach of services across BC.
The most commonly reported recovery services include counselling, second-stage housing, peer-led programs, stabilization, supportive recovery, and employment and skills supports. These services reflect the reality that recovery is not one single step. People need connection, housing stability, practical support, community, and long-term pathways that help them rebuild their lives.
BCARA’s work is also focused on improving how the sector learns together. The Data and Research Advisory Committee supports stronger evidence and outcome measurement, while the Knowledge Exchange Advisory Committee helps build shared learning and consistent practice across the sector.
One example of this is the development of a Recovery-Oriented Community of Practice, which is designed to strengthen communication and collaboration across recovery services. Topics such as reflective practice, trauma-informed care, Indigenous cultural competency, service ethics, compassionate care, and sector partnerships create space for providers to learn from one another and respond to shared challenges together.
