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Please call 8-1-1 for 24/7 general health information and advice. Indigenous people across Canada can also call the toll-free Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310.
Community programs are resources in a specific geographical area that can help with alcohol problems. These programs can include peer support groups, inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, supportive recovery housing, and other organizations that offer help and guidance with challenges related to alcohol and promote long-term well-being.
Peer support groups are places where people with similar experiences come together to offer each other emotional and practical support. When it comes to alcohol use, a peer supporter is someone who has gone through their own journey with alcohol and is trained to help others on their journeys. These groups can be found in many cities and are usually free and open to new members. Examples of common peer support groups include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery and LifeRing.
Intensive outpatient programs are treatment programs where a patient spends several hours each day in structured activities. These programs usually offer different types of therapy, connect participants with supportive people, teach life skills and job training, and include group meetings with others who understand what participants are going through. They also involve fun activities and focus on teaching ways to cope with challenges and prevent going back to old habits.
If you determine that outpatient treatment is most appropriate for your patient, referral to an inpatient program is needed. Inpatient programs are more common in big cities and urban areas. If you are not familiar with the inpatient programs available in the area it may be most appropriate to refer them to a clinic or provider specializing in substance use care.
Not all treatment programs follow the standards set out by the health authority or provincial/territorial regulations for live-in health care facilities. It’s important to inform patients to be cautious and ensure they do their research to a facility that fits their needs and provides the quality of care that they are looking for (is evidence-based).
Supportive recovery housing is a place where people with various addictions live together in a community. In these homes, the focus is on regaining a healthy and structured lifestyle. They provide a daily schedule, meals and support to help those on your recovery journey. These programs offer different activities like counselling, yoga and support from others who understand residents’ experiences. They also help with learning important life skills to prepare residents for independent living.
To live in supportive recovery housing, people usually need to be sober before they can move in and continue to stay sober while they’re there. Most people stay for around 1 to 3 months. Not all recovery services follow the standards set out by the health authority or provincial/territorial regulations for live-in health care facilities. It’s important to inform patients to be cautious and ensure they do their research to find a facility that fits their needs and provides the quality of care that they are looking for.
