The Thorpe Recovery Centre utilizes a four phase transitional approach as its treatment program. Within each phase of treatment, the intent is to care for the client on four basic levels: Biological, Psychological, Social and Spiritual.

A cornerstone of our treatment model is the understanding that each client comes with an individual story and experience. During treatment we do everything to honour each client’s uniqueness through a custom tailored combination of therapies designed to unlock the greatest potential for healing and growth.

1. Inquiry

Congratulations on taking the first step! The admissions team will help clients and their families plan their recovery journey.

2. Detox

A minimum of seven days of clean/sober time is required prior to admission into the Residential Treatment Program. With 24/7 support, the  Medically Supported Detox (MSD) is a safe environment for those in the initial stages of recovery. While detoxing, the withdrawal symptoms can be unbearable and often urge clients to leave treatment to use their drug of choice. We provide suitable and safe interventions to alleviate the worst of the symptoms, resulting in the individual remaining in our care and committing to their recovery. The medical protocols used in MSD have been established through best-practice guidelines for addictions and substance use. Protocols are initiated based on the assessment skills of the nursing staff including, but not limited to:

• Substance Use
• Physical Assessment
• Severity of Withdrawal Symptoms
• Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) Score
• Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA) Score

Each client’s recovery is unique, and as such, medications and protocols used in MSD will reflect the individuality of the client’s needs and will be determined collaboratively with the treatment team.

Suboxone is a medication that may be administered to opiate users during their withdrawal process. Suboxone is a specially-prescribed, non-addictive substance and therefore, is an efficient tool to treat withdrawal from opiates such as fentanyl, heroin, and benzodiazepines. When administered correctly, the medicine provides a small relief and as protocol continues, Suboxone eventually blocks the opioid receptor in the brain and makes for a more positive detox experience.

Detoxing the body from drugs and alcohol is only a portion of recovery; additional tools are required to sustain sobriety. As such, MSD clients are expected to participate in daily detox-specific programming such as lectures, group therapy sessions, assignments, recreation, and peer interaction. A detox counsellor is assigned to support the individual and helps to make plans for further treatment such as Thorpe’s 42-day Residential Addiction Treatment Program, support groups, and outpatient counselling. The detox counsellor confers with the individual, their family, referral source, and/or counsellor to define an effective treatment and aftercare plan.

3. Program

Thorpe Recovery Centre offers a pre-treatment transition and assessment process that support clients settling into residential treatment.

Long-term interventions provide a greater opportunity for success. The Residential Program is not only a physical barrier from substances, it is an opportunity to adjust to social norms often lost in active addiction, like punctuality, accountability, and tidiness. This teaches by taking care of the little things, bigger things are more manageable. Throughout the 42+ days, the individual participates in recreation, lectures, assignments, chores, group therapy and individual sessions with their primary counsellor. These six weeks are challenging and allows the individual to understand the root of their addictive behaviour and build a recovery toolkit. If deemed necessary by the client, counsellor, and referring body, the program length can be extended to upwards of 90 days.

4. Continuing Care

Many believe the recovery process is completed after residential treatment, but the work is just beginning. Returning to the “real world” will be challenging and the individual will need a strong relapse prevention plan which includes additional peer support after their departure from our centre. The Continuing Care group at Thorpe Recovery Centre is a weekly online therapy group for Alumni of the Residential Treatment Program. The group focuses on living life sober and supports the individual in the transition to daily life in recovery.