Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to common questions. If you want to ask us something, please contact us.
What is a “Therapeutic Community?”
George DeLeon writes that the Therapeutic Community is the Method!
Most, if not all, of the pain in our lives come through relationships. We believe that healing comes through relationships. Although RDDC provides individual and group therapy, it is the interactions in the hall, the team work exercised in the service assignments, and the late night conversations – all within the Therapeutic Community – that contribute to ongoing healing relationships. It is through our relationships with others that beneficial thinking and behaviour are encouraged, and detrimental beliefs and habits are challenged.
Why take an abstinence-based approach to recovery?
- Clients perceive they are safer to take the risks necessary for recovery when their fellow clients have also agreed to remain abstinent from substances, and the triggering effects that substance use may have on the community.
- Meets a client-requested need for an abstinence-based program.
- Allows for clients to increase in their capacity to regulate unpleasant emotions that have typically been a precursor to substance use. Behaviours, beliefs, emotions, and memories that were suppressed by substance use are able to be acknowledged and processed.
- RDDC plans to facilitate Opiate Agonist Therapy (OAT). This included buprenorphine (Suboxone/Sublocade) & methadone. OAT is assessed and administered by our partner pharmacy.
- Abstinence is not to be equated with recovery. Abstinence (removal of detrimental practices or factors) can enable recovery (adding beneficial practices or factors).
How does it work?
RDDC uses The Genesis Process, a relapse prevention program that has been used for over 20 years. This process around faith in Jesus Christ and His teaching found in the Bible. Men are not required to share our Christian beliefs to be admitted to the program, but you must be willing to be open to teaching informed by Christian spirituality and explore the beliefs that led to your addictive behaviours.
Who is this program for?
RDDC’s recovery program is for men seeking freedom from substance addiction. It is for people who know they need to change and, are willing to do the work required to find the sources of their problems and make the necessary changes.
How old do I have to be to apply?
RDDC currently accepts applications from men 18 years of age and older.
How do you apply?
Start by filling out the form (when we are ready to start taking applicants it will posted) on our program page.
What should I bring with me?
Clients will be living in dorms, and because of this, men are encouraged to bring items that will make them feel comfortable, yet limit the amount of possessions they bring. They need about one week’s worth of clothes and clothes they are comfortable working in (kitchen, cleaning of building, etc.). They should also bring personal hygiene items, a Bible, and any required medications. Smaller musical instruments such as guitars are allowed.
We do not have space for larger instruments, furniture, animals or boxes of books or vehicles. The staff at RDDC will help clients access any items they need but do not possess. RDDC is not responsible for the safe-keeping of your items, so we suggest you make other arrangements for storing any valuables or irreplaceable items.
How long is the program?
The Genesis Program at RDDC is a one-year commitment where residents live on-site.
Can I have visitors while I’m in the program?
We encourage healing relationships with family and recognize this is integral to recovery. In order to ground oneself in the structure of the program, clients are not permitted to have visitors during their first week. Visitors must be approved prior to their arrival after that.
How much does the program cost?
It costs over $100/day for us to run the program for a resident. Most clients pay for their treatment through AISH, Employment Insurance, or… Please contact us if you have concerns regarding financing the program.
What medications are approved at RDDC?
Medications prescribed by a client’s physician are permitted as long as they are not addictive (opiates, benzodiazepines, THC, etc.) due to the potential to be abused by clients. Suboxone is permitted if the client is willing to be monitored by a physician and have a plan for tapering to a minimal level. All medications must be stored and administered by RDDC staff.
What medications are approved at RDDC?
Medications prescribed by a client’s physician are permitted as long as they are not addictive (opiates, benzodiazepines, THC, etc.) due to the potential to be abused by clients. Suboxone is permitted if the client is willing to be monitored by a physician and have a plan for tapering to a minimal level. All medications must be stored and administered by RDDC staff.
What items are banned?
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Weapons
- Drug/Alcohol Paraphernalia
- Clothing that exhibits Alcohol or Drug content
- Pornography
- Animals
- Phones, media playing devices, and/or electronics that can access the internet
Can I see a doctor while in the program?
In order to enhance a culture of accountability, all appointments must be pre-approved with your Case Manager.
If you’re coming from out of town we recommend that you bring a copy of your medical records and provincial health care card with you if possible. This will allow local doctors to continue your care without interruption.
Can I hold a job while I’m in the program?
This is an intense program, and your recovery work must take priority in order to be successful, and therefore clients are not able to maintain employment during the majority of the one year program. Most, if not all, men caught in addiction have enabled their addiction through their work. In the beginning, service assignments are integrated throughout the program with the goal of forming healthy work patterns. As clients progress in their recovery, work outside RDDC will be available.
What happens when I leave RDDC?
Throughout the program, clients collaborate with their Case Manager to form a treatment plan tailored to their transition needs. Referrals will be made for housing, education, work, and support groups that enhance ongoing recovery needs. Program alumni may access ongoing support from RDDC staff.