Does involuntary care work? Three B.C. residents share their personal stories

The number of British Columbians in forced treatment has risen steadily from 11,000 to 18,000 in 2020-21 .

The B.C. government is ramping up in an effort to tamp down violent acts by people struggling with mental illness and substance use.

Nicole Luongo says involuntary care was detrimental to her recovery, but Chris said it has made his life more stable.

Nicole : “I am alive, despite going to treatment — not because of it”.

The Canadian Drug Policy Coalition calls for legalizing and regulating the drug supply to reduce overdoses and provide those struggling with mental health a safe alternative to abstinence.

Chris spent eight months in involuntary care inside Coquitlam’s Red Fish Healing Centre for Mental Health and Addictions after a judge ruled in November 2023 that was the best hope to rehabilitate him and protect the public.

Chris would like to be connected with a mental health team to improve his chances of long-term stability.

Richard was diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was 20 and Jane was determined to care for him.

Richard was taken into involuntary care three or four times, but only after his behaviour became so extreme it led to destructive outbursts, criminal charges and hard drugs.

For the past three years , Richard has been homeless on the streets of Victoria .