Program

Program Components

Medical & Psychiatric Screeners

Provide insight with regards to underlying factors contributing to substance use, and/or in identifying any co-occurring disorders (anxiety, depression, etc.).
Provide relevant questions and guidance in preparing for medical and/or psychiatric follow-up.
Addresses health-related concerns; allows for assessment of co-occurring mental and/or physical issues, provides direction and/or affirmation regarding the working treatment plan.

Education

Provide current, research-supported information conceptualizing addiction as a disease.
Reinforce dangers of continued use and consequent need for change, clarify misconceptions, provide a framework of understanding wherein clients’ struggles are normalized.
Attempt to reduce distress caused by confusion, fear and guilt.

Skills Training

Highlight the connection between thought processes and behavioural responses; allow clients to begin identifying their maladaptive thought/behaviour patterns.
Introduce constructive coping skills in a theoretical context and begin development of personalized relapse prevention plans.

Group & Individual Therapy

Provide structured, collaborative forums in which to address concerns, assess progress and/or modify treatment goals on the group and individual level.
Opportunity to practice giving and receiving feedback.

Exercise, Leisure & Recreation

Provide opportunity to develop and apply new skills in practical contexts, increase clients’ self-awareness regarding triggers (high-risk people, places, situations, etc.); exposure therapy, systematic desensitization, supportive coping.
Reinforce importance of balance in daily living, explore interests to replace substance use, gain experience living substance-free in a manner reflective of clients’ realities (allow for easier re-integration).

12-Step Introduction

Opens clients’ perspectives on understanding and treating addiction; diversifies exposure to effective intervention strategies.
Creates opportunity to connect with people in recovery; develop support network.

Example of a day at Life Science Addiction Treatment

6:30 – 8:30

Optional morning walk/jog, lounge yoga, stretching…

8:30

Wake up
Shower, dress, make bed and organize your room before coming upstairs

8:30 – 9:30

Breakfast: eat a balanced meal

(Nutrition, Self-care)

Medication and vitals (Main floor)

9:30 (Attention regulation, Organization, Self-care)

Personal Chore

Clean your bedroom and bathroom thoroughly, according to task list.

Major House Chores

X: Vacuum stairs and lounge

Y: Dishwasher, vacuum main floor and couch

Z: Organize lounge, furniture, dust lounge console (dry cloth)

10:00 – 10:30

Walk

(Emotion regulation, Mindfulness, Mental health)

10:30 – 10:45

Active Relaxation

(Grounding technique, Anxiety & Stress)

10:45 – 12:00

Psycho-educationn / Group Therapy

(Mental health, Education)

12:00

Lunch
Arrange meeting transport

(Social connection, Recovery)

(Mental health, Relaxation, Emotion regulation, Physical health, Stress, Anxiety)

1:00 – 1:30

Journal

1:45

Walk

(Emotion regulation, Mindfulness, Mental health)

2:15

Active Relaxation

(Grounding technique, Anxiety & Stress)

2:30 – 3:30

Psychoeducation / Individual Therapy

(Mental health, Education)

3:45 – 4:30

Exercise on site

(Emotion regulation, Mindfulness, Mental health)

4:30 - 5:00

Educational film

5:30

Supper

(Nutrition, Self-care, Social Connection)

Evening

AA meeting

(Fellowship, Social Connection, Mental Health