What stage of recovery should I be in to get the most out of New Leaf’s programming?

Our program works best with those who have some been able to create some stability in their recovery journey so far. Often our members will have come out of residential treatment, and are working to integrate their recovery into their day-to-day life, and their home environments and relationships.

Is the program abstinence based? If so, how long are clients required to be sober before entering your treatment program?

Yes, we operate on an abstinence-based model, and we require at least 10 days of abstinence prior to entering the program. Many prospective participants may undergo detox prior to entering the program. If, owing to detox, the timing doesn't quite line up with the program start date, we may consider late entries on a case-by-case basis.

Is this co-ed treatment or are there groups based on gender identity?

Our program is pleased to provide safe space for ALL genders. We do not separate groups, but provide a positive, non-judgmental environment for all human identities. We are excited about diversity.

Having said this, depending on the needs of the participant, there is also a recovery program specifically designed for the experience of LGBTQ2S+ individuals which is well worth checking out: https://www.stonewallrecovery.ca/

How big are the cohorts?

Our small-group intensive model means that we capacity is capped at 12 persons. This helps provide a personal and intimate experience for our members, allowing deeper personal and interpersonal change and transformation to unfold.

How often do you take a new group?

We run 3 cohorts per year, 12 weeks each. This helps with the progression of programming/learning and the cohesion of the group. Furthermore, the cohort model offers a higher degree of comfort, trust, and participation by enhancing safety through group membership.

Do you have any resources for transportation for clients that lack their own resources? (I.e. for houseless clients, clients exiting detox, clients who cannot afford transit, etc.)

We do not want this to be an obstacle. We have some funding available for transportation. Our site is very central, and will be easily accessible via transit, which we can accommodate tickets for based on demonstrated need.

What does the program cost?

New Leaf Holistic Recovery now offers its 12-week program through a fee-for-service model, with financial accommodation available. Our goal is to make recovery accessible, and we work with each individual to determine a fair and manageable contribution.

As an abstinence-based program, what is your policy regarding clients who return to use during treatment period? How are you determining whether clients are staying clean during the 12 weeks? (i.e. drug tests, behavioural observation, etc.)

We work with individuals who are actively pursuing recovery in their lives — the difference between a lapse and a relapse relies on the individual’s desire and ability to return to the path of recovery, even after having a slip. Our policy does not allow individuals under the influence at our physical site, and all participants are subject to behavioural observation and random drug tests. We are operating out of a church in which a play school is running concurrently, so there is little wiggle room in this area for us. We commit to supporting our members in whatever way we are able, whether onsite, offsite (via phone or telehealth support) or through referrals.

Other than return to use, what are some other factors that would lead a client to being discontinued from your program?

Beyond return to use, discontinuing the program may occur in instances where there is prolonged disengagement or absence from the program, or where there is prolonged disruption and conflict to the cohort. We are strong believers that reconciling conflict is a major learning opportunity, and we work within the balance of group-individual needs.

What if a client has a court date scheduled during treatment? Would this decrease the likelihood of them being admitted until the court date has passed?

Not at all - we are happy to accommodate such scenarios which may otherwise prove to be a barrier to treatment provided they are communicated in advance.

Are there any criminal charges or pasts which would make it unlikely that you would permit someone to enter your program? (i.e. assault charges or similar)

Given the parameters of our programming, and in particular the fact that we are sharing the site with a play school, we are unable to accept participants with current charges of violent crime and sexual offence.

Can I come to New Leaf if I have both a mental health diagnosis and an addiction?

Our counsellors at New Leaf are master’s trained and proficient at treating addictions and concurrent mental health diagnoses. If participant presenting problems are outside of the scope of the New Leaf counsellors, an external referral will be made to connect the participant with a specialist whom they can work with while attending New Leaf programming.

What steps should I take before entering treatment?

Ensure that you are available and able to attend all programming (Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 3:30pm) apart from special circumstances. Identify a consistent and reliable way to get yourself to and from treatment. Reflect on what Curiosity, Acceptance, Balance, Empowerment, Compassion, and Connection mean to you – these are the core values of New Leaf.

What do I need to bring to treatment?

Lunches are not provided at New Leaf and will need to be brought from home or purchased nearby during the 45-minute lunch break. Participant’s can store their lunches in the fridge located in the New Leaf Group Room and there is a microwave available. Additionally, on Wednesdays and Fridays there may be stretching and/or other light exercises which we recommend the participants wear

comfortable clothing for. If a participant is unable to engage with a specific stretch and/or exercise our facilitator’s can help them to find an alternative.

Virtual treatments? What if I am sick?

New Leaf is unable to support virtual attendance due to the interactive elements of the programming and the cohort model. If a participant is unable to attend treatment for any reason (illness, appointments, medical or family emergency, etc.), materials relevant to the missed course content will be provided to support the participant’s learning and ensure they do not fall behind.

What support is provided for family and loved ones during treatment?

We can provide a referral to the affiliated Al-Anon Family Groups who provide support groups and literature to offer help and hope to families and friends of alcoholics. Additionally, we can support families and friends of individuals struggling with other forms of addiction to identify organizations that emphasize that addiction.

What are the advantages of outpatient treatment?

Outpatient treatment provides the opportunity for participants to engage with treatment and concurrently with their lives outside treatment, including accessing and building natural supports, working, and maintaining parental responsibilities. It also provides an opportunity for participants to integrate their learning fluidly within the contexts of their lives outside treatment.

What do you mean by “holistic”? What can clients expect when they attend treatment at New Leaf? Is there a sample of what a typical day may look like that you can provide us with?

By "holistic" we mean that programming features a balance of mind-, heart-, body-, and spirit- based learning and growth experiences. "Holistic" also entails finding a balanced relationship with the external world (relationships, finance, work, etc.). For this reason, our programming hosts a diverse range of class types, including psycho-ed, nutrition, recovery topics, life skills, financial literacy, individual and groups therapy, yoga, body-based movement, expressive arts and more. A typical day includes 4 learning blocks, a 45-minute lunch hour, and two 15-minute breaks.