Reintegration into society is an important stage in the program, as it provides an opportunity to put into practice the values, skills, behaviors and attitudes acquired during their stay.
As early as the admission period, an assessment of social reintegration needs is carried out with each resident. This is the first step towards social reintegration.
Through daily interactions within the center, cultural or recreational activities, hikes, or scheduled outings with family members, residents work to solidify their learning so that, once treatment is complete, they are ready to function effectively in society without resorting to drugs.
Whether or not users complete their therapy, we are committed to providing ongoing support after they leave the residential center. We offer aftercare services and a continuing care program for users who drop out of therapy, which lastss up to two years.
EXIT PREPARATION
Visits and outings allow residents to keep in touch with their loved ones during their residential stay, making it easier for them to return to their home environment. Over time, visits increase in frequency and duration, going from a few hours to full weekends. Thanks to these visits and outings, families and loved ones can better see how their loved one is progressing.
Exit Plan
Throughout their rehabilitation process, residents develop a life plan encompassing all aspects of their life: family, friends, work, school, health, etc.
By the end of their stay, residents have already planned where they will live, what they will do and how they will manage their personal challenges.
SUPPORT FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
The likelihood of a smooth social reintegration is multiplied thanks to the support given to residents and their families. Weekly self-help groups are organized for residents' families and friends. Learn More
Aftercare Program
What sets us apart from other addiction rehabilitation programs is the quality and intensity of our aftercare program. In fact, we are one of the few organizations offering an aftercare program that includes group follow-up meetings and individualized support with a social reintegration counsellor, lasting 18 months on average.
The aftercare program is divided into three phases, each of which is governed by a support booklet that considers the user's progress as he or she returns to society, particularly regarding the frequency of follow-up meetings.
Back in Touch
Portage offers “Back in Touch” sessions for users committed to their aftercare process and experiencing difficulties that justify additional support of the residential therapeutic community. These visits allow aftercare clients to return to the Portage center for a short period. These short stays enable users to benefit from the supervision and support of the therapeutic community to work on social reintegration objectives identified with their aftercare worker.
The aftercare groups helped me become stronger. Every Wednesday, I knew I had to go back, tell them about my week, knowing I needed to be honest and open, telling them I did something wrong. It allows me to live guilt free. I learned to always talk to my parents or a friend. The aftercare meeting allowed me to live guilt free and to learn to be open and honest.
Jack, Program for adolescents
Continuing Care
We are committed to maintaining phone contact with any client who decides to end his or her residential program before completing all of its components. These phone calls enable us to support the client's return to society while facilitating residential readmission if necessary and in the client's best interest.
Supervised Apartments
To facilitate the transition from the structured, secure living environment of residential centers to full social reintegration, we offer individuals of certain programs the opportunity to benefit from access to supervised apartments, which provides access to a low-cost apartment in partnership with the OMHM, while remaining in the Portage environment.
This way, users can work on developing their autonomy while having access to a supportive social environment, including a team of caregivers, directly in their living environment. LEARN MORE