Programs

Intensive Residential Treatment:

The Intensive Treatment program offered through Adult Services at the Sister Margaret Smith Centre is a group treatment program for adults (18+). The program is designed to assist those individuals who require an extended period of time in a safe environment to focus on developing a healthier lifestyle, free of the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs.

Treatment Model

The Sister Margaret Smith Centre promotes a holistic approach to recovery from substance abuse. The Intensive Treatment program utilizes a variety of approaches and resources based on a person’s individual needs.

Components of the program include:

• education sessions
• living skills training
• therapeutic sessions i.e. grief & loss
• stress management
• spirituality
• relapse prevention
• leisure skills and recreation
• values and beliefs clarification
• self-help and support meetings

Individual and couples counselling is available, both prior to and following the intensive program.

Steps to Access the Residential Component

Step 1: Assessment

A substance use assessment is required prior to admission in order to ensure that this is the most appropriate treatment plan. The assessment can be completed at an Assessment & Referral centre in your area (http://www.fstb.net/ and DART). An ADMISSIONS PACKAGE is also available through the Intake Counsellors at MHA. Click here for our number and directions.

Step 2: Intake

The completed assessment is forwarded to the Adult Service Intake Counsellor. Intake will review the assessment or admissions package, and then make arrangements for admission through the referent or the client. Clients need to confirm their attendance in order to ensure their treatment date.

Step 3: Stabilization

Those still using substances will be referred to withdrawal management services or to their physician. To assist with stabilization and treatment readiness we may suggest that clients stay in supportive housing prior to treatment, connect with an addictions or mental health counsellor and attend any self help group they have been involved in.

Step 4: Intensive Treatment

The Intensive Treatment program can be completed in residence or as a day client. All groups are gender specific and all clients have their own room. Residential clients are expected to return nightly to the Centre, but are given increased time in the community as treatment progresses. AA/NA, Healing Circles and other support groups are offered in the evening on site.

Step 5: Community Phase

Following Intensive Treatment, there are opportunities for clients to attend Continuing Care modules. The core module provides basic information and practice around relapse prevention, with several optional modules focussing on different issues of relapse i.e. relationships, stress and anger management and spirituality. Phone support is offered to those from isolated communities. Referrals will be made to other community resources as identified in the discharge plan.

Admission Criteria

• a structured assessment or completed admissions package is required prior to entering the Intensive treatment program
• open to anyone over 18 years who is deemed by the assessment to need a more intensive level of program
• initial referrals may come from a variety of sources i.e. self, EAP, social service agencies, judicial system, other treatment programs and assessment & referral centres
• medications need to be approved prior to admission
• mental health issues need to be stabilized

Non-medical detoxification can be arranged through the Balmoral Withdrawal Management Centre. Those in need of medically monitored withdrawal can connect with their physicians.

Gambling

Click here to go to the Gambling Section of our website

Community Treatment

Continuing Care

The Continuing Care program offers a series of modules involving four (4) weekly sessions for each module. The Core module focuses on Relapse Prevention, while the remaining optional modules concentrate on life skills, spirituality, grief and loss, family and relationships, and gender issues in recovery. Clients are welcome to contact their treatment counsellor through our toll-free line. Out-of-town clients needing an aftercare program are advised to contact their nearest addiction or mental health counselling provider.

Explorations Program

The Explorations Group is offered for those clients who are exploring their next steps in regards to different treatment options. Education and support is provided to clients who are entering residential treatment or making a decision regarding other services. The purpose of the group is to educate, support, and motivate participants contemplating more intensive treatment, engage them in the change process, and provide assistance in developing coping skills.

The program offers eight sessions which focus on issues such as: fear and anxiety about treatment, coping strategies, values & beliefs, stress management, relationships, assertiveness & communication skills, spirituality and basic relapse prevention planning.

Individual Counselling

Individual work is available on a short-term basis, to address readiness for change, provide motivational counselling, or to re-align treatment plans. Outreach appointments can be arranged for clients with special needs such as older adults or those with mobility issues.