FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Thorpe Recovery Centre is located at 21060 Tranquility Way, Blackfoot, Alberta—just 10 km west of Lloydminster.

We offer treatment for substance use (such as alcohol and drugs) and related process addictions (including gambling, disordered eating, and sex addiction) using a holistic, client-centred approach.

Yes. Thorpe Recovery Centre is a non-profit society registered in Alberta and Saskatchewan under the name Walter A. “Slim” Thorpe Recovery Centre Society.

Adults aged 18 and older who are struggling with addiction and related mental health issues are eligible for treatment.

Applications can be submitted through our website at www.thorperecoverycentre.org, by emailing admissions@thorperecoverycentre.org, or by calling our Admissions team at 1.877.875.8890.

Yes. Both the Alberta and Saskatchewan governments cover detox and residential treatment costs for qualifying clients. Private pay options are also available for those who do not qualify or prefer to self-fund.

We use a rolling admissions model, allowing clients to start treatment when a bed becomes available—often without long delays.

We offer:
• Medically Supported Withdrawal Management (Detox)
• 42-Day Residential Addiction Program
• Continuing Care Program for post-treatment support
• Family Program to help loved ones understand addiction and recovery

Our 42-day program includes individual and group therapy, psychoeducational lectures, holistic practices (such as mindfulness and meditation), recreation, relapse prevention, and structured daily routines.

Yes. Clients attend a variety of peer support meetings, including 12-Step programs and other recovery-focused groups.

Yes. Our Family Program supports healing and education for families, regardless of whether their loved one is currently in treatment.

You may bring one suitcase only. Please pack no more than seven pairs of each clothing item to ensure appropriate storage space. Bring weather-appropriate clothing, toiletries (also available for purchase in our canteen), and running shoes. Avoid clothing with revealing cuts (e.g., crop tops, short shorts, thin strap tank tops), drug/alcohol references, or rips/holes. Please bring a water bottle (this must be clear and see-through). A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

Yes. Thorpe has a strict dress code to promote a respectful environment:
• Clothing must cover all body parts (e.g., no crop tops, no thin strap tank tops, no exposed cleavage).
• Shorts must be knee-length.
• Clothing with gang, drug, or alcohol references is prohibited.
• Jeans/pants must have no holes or rips.
• Hard-soled footwear is required outside of dorm rooms; running shoes are recommended for recreation.
• Sleepwear must be worn to bed.

No. Personal electronics (phones, laptops, tablets) are not allowed during treatment. If you need to manage bills while in treatment, staff can assist by temporarily retrieving your phone for payment purposes.

Yes. After seven days in the program, clients are allowed four 20-minute phone calls per week. Staff will assist in facilitating calls.

Yes. After seven days, in-person visits are available on Sundays. Virtual visits via Zoom are also available. Visitors must show ID at each visit.

No. Pillows and blankets are provided by the Centre. Additional items are available for purchase from the canteen if needed.

Yes.
• All feminine hygiene products must be new and sealed.
• Cigarettes and vapes must be in unopened, sealed packages.

No outside food or beverages are allowed. Meals are prepared on-site, and snacks can be purchased through the Centre’s canteen.

Yes, bring eight week’s worth of medication, preferably blister packed. Ongoing prescriptions will be managed by the Centre’s physician during your stay.

Yes. Our physician will review your medical history and confirm that you are medically stable for treatment.

Clients stay in semi-private (double-occupancy) rooms equipped with single beds, desks, wardrobes, and shared bathrooms.

Facilities include a full gym, walking trails, basketball and volleyball courts, fire pits, and a music room.

Thorpe is located on 34 acres of peaceful rural land, creating a private and tranquil environment for healing.

Yes. Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas during scheduled times.  Effective January 1, 2026. We will no longer allow E-Cigarettes / Vapes while in treatment.

Laundry facilities are available on-site, and laundry pods are provided for client use.

– Essential Toiletries
– Feminine Products
– Snacks
– Recovery Literature
– Stationary
– Clothing
– Pillows

Yes. Structured and limited communication is allowed to ensure focus on recovery.

Families are encouraged to participate in the Family Program to gain education and support around addiction and recovery.