Specialized Services for Men

Services for Men at the Sister Margaret Smith Centre are specific programs designed to meet the needs of men who want to examine their substance use or gambling behaviour. We do this by offering men’s only groups, a separate residential floor and an approach to programming that pays attention to the different ways that men learn and process information. Specialized groups are designed to give men the tools they need to make positive changes in their lives.

Men’s Treatment Programs:

• Provide a non-threatening environment in which men can address their addiction issues in the company of other men.
• Provide education about the effects of alcohol, other drugs and problem gambling on men.
• Encourage men to look at the other things going on in their lives related to their problem behaviours i.e. family & relationships, anger, fear & isolation.
• Challenge men to develop healthier ways of coping with feelings and roadblocks.

The Men’s treatment programs are holistic in nature as all aspects of well being are addressed i.e. physical health, spirituality, emotional and psychological health. We know that men can be frustrated and overwhelmed as they try to deal with demands of the present and pains from the past. Problem behaviours such as substance abuse, problem gambling and other destructive behaviours (high risk sex or violence) often become ways of trying to cope which lead to further problems.

We help men to examine the role of gender and how the expectations around being a man can be related to their addictions. The socialization of addictions such as drinking “rites of passage” and role of peers in the early development of the problem are uncovered. The men are encouraged to look at the complexity of their lives, past and present and develop ways of expressing themselves which can build towards a healthier future. This is done through a variety of approaches including concrete learning, cognitive-behavioural, male gender theory and strength-based focus. Mutual support programs such as NA and AA and Healing Circles are introduced to participants and they are encouraged to develop support systems that fit their needs.

Components of the treatment programs include:

• education sessions
• living skills training
• stress management & mindfulness meditation
• spirituality
• relapse prevention
• leisure skills and recreation
• values & beliefs clarification
• individual, couples and group counselling

Programs offered:

Intensive treatment program:

• Intensive treatment can be attended as a day or residential client, or some combination of both, depending on need.
• the men’s group meets with their counsellor on their own floor which including kitchen, lounge and workout areas
• all men have their own room with sink

Individual and Couples Counselling:

• individual sessions are offered for motivational enhancement, moderation management, continuing care and relapse prevention; sessions can be arranged on outreach basis
• couples sessions are available to develop an understanding of the role substance use or gambling plays in the relationship and explore what changes may need to take place

Community Treatment Group:

• a less intensive program for those able to make changes while living in the community
• arrangements can be made to offer this group at other settings in the community

*Continuing Care Modules:

• the Core module is based on Structured Relapse Prevention and provides the basic information and skills needed to develop a solid recovery plan
• at present four other modules are offered which focus on Connecting with Others- building healthy relationships, Connecting with Community- building supports and finding your place in the community and Connecting with Self- understanding and developing your personal sense of spirituality.
• Further modules are being planned including- 1. Being a Man- role of gender in understanding and changing addictive behaviours; help to explore the issues specific to men in recovery