How to Enroll

Addiction is a primary (i.e. not caused by previous injury) and chronic disease affecting various parts of the brain, related to reward, motivation and memory systems. Someone who is addicted to a substance will pursue reward or relief through that substance, often placing it's importance above more pressing needs, such as food, water or safety.

Addiction is characterized by some common symptoms:

• Inability to consistently abstain
• Impairment in behavioral control
• Craving for the substance or experience
• Lower ability to recognize significant problems with behaviors or in relationships
• Improper emotional response

Like other chronic diseases, addiction often features a cycle of relapse and remission. Unless treated, addiction is progressive and can result in other medical conditions, including an early death.

This definition is based on the definition by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and can be viewed at the following link: https://www.asam.org/resources/definition-of-addiction.

Does a detox count?

No. You must have spent some time living in a program designed to help you recover from addiction. Our House is meant to continue what you started there and turn your victories there into a long-term change in how you live your life.

How long is a short-term residential treatment program?
It's more important that you are both medically stable and completely detoxed than that you stay a certain number of days in a short-term program. Most programs typically last about 3 weeks, which is enough time to ensure that you're medically stable by that time. Your medical stability is important because Our House doesn't have specialized medical staff, aside from an outside Pharmacist who comes to help clients on Methadone and Suboxone and standard First Aid.

Where can I find a program like that?
Go to "Get Help Now" for a number of resources, including a long list of treatment programs.

A professional could include any of the following.

• A social worker

• A family doctor

• A counselor

• Staff of a previous program

• A therapist

• A lawyer

• Any addiction recovery centre

If you have any questions about somebody who might be able to give you a referral, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Nobody can make you change. You have to want it and be willing to put the effort in to making that change happen. Overcoming addiction is hard, but with help, guidance, support and determination, it can be done. That's what we're here for.

Group activities are an important part of our program. The support from other people who have suffered through the same experiences as you and the sense of belonging to a community that doesn't judge you for your past are important in keeping you committed to the new path you have chosen. By standing together and supporting each other, the burden of overcoming addiction is just that much easier to bear.

Prescriptions to suboxone or methadone will not bar you from entering our program. If you are unsure if your medication can alter your mood, we encourage you to consult with a licensed medical professional, such as a doctor, pharmacist or psychiatrist.