A process that begins at admission
From the moment they are admitted, we assess each client’s needs to initiate the social reintegration process. This marks the beginning of personalized support that continues throughout their therapy. Learning takes shape through daily interactions at the centre: workshops and group meetings, cultural and recreational activities, family outings, and personal projects.
These experiences allow clients to put newly acquired values and behaviours into practice, preparing them to return to their living environment with restored autonomy and dignity.
During the Therapy
Preparing for the Return to Daily Life
Progressive visits and outings allow clients to maintain meaningful connections with their loved ones and gradually prepare to reintegrate their living environment. These outings evolve throughout the stay — starting with a few hours, then full weekends, and eventually up to four days per week near the end of the residential phase.
These moments are essential, giving families the opportunity to witness the progress made and to support the individual throughout their social reintegration.
Workshops and Preparation for the Transition
Throughout the therapy, clients take part in workshops designed to prepare them concretely for their return to daily life.
Through practical activities and guided discussions, they explore essential themes such as daily organization, financial management, healthy lifestyle habits, housing, relationships, and community resources. These workshops provide a space to reflect, develop practical tools, and strengthen the skills needed to approach the transition to active life with confidence.
The Exit Plan:
Building a Strong Life Project
Unique Support After the Program:
Our Aftercare Services
This program, which typically lasts 18 months, combines:
- Group sessions, to stay connected, reduce isolation, and share meaningful experiences.
- Personalized support, with a social reintegration counselor, focused on concrete goals tailored to each participant’s reality.
Structured in three progressive phases, the aftercare program evolves at the participant’s own pace. The frequency and intensity of the meetings adjust according to individual needs, providing the right level of support at the right time.
“But the reality after Portage is that you often find yourself alone. That’s why the aftercare program is so important.”
“We talk about real things. This group has been my most precious lifeline since completing [the program].”
Intensive weekend sessions
For our adolescent and young adult programs, Portage offers intensive weekend sessions during the first months of aftercare.
Highly appreciated by youth, these weekends allow them to return to their therapeutic environment, reconnect with their Portage Family, and recharge in a safe and supportive setting. Supervised by the team, they take part in structured activities and thematic group sessions that help them stay focused on their goals.
This format has been extremely successful and plays a key role in supporting young people during the first weeks after completing the program — a period often considered one of the most challenging in the recovery journey.
Why Aftercare Makes a Difference
- Strengthening sobriety and preventing relapse
- Ongoing emotional support during key moments
- Building autonomy and self-confidence
- Developing skills for balanced social, family, and work life
A true safety net that transforms the progress made during the program into long‑term recovery and successful social reintegration.
Community Housing
To support the transition between the structured, supportive environment of the residential centres and full social reintegration, Portage provides more than 40 community apartments in the Montreal area.
These units offer participants a stable, secure, and 100% sober living environment, allowing them to continue working toward their personal goals while navigating their challenges with the right level of support. On‑site staff provide continuous guidance and personalized follow‑up.
Offered at an affordable rate, these apartments are made available through a partnership with the Office municipal d'habitation de Montréal, while remaining fully integrated into Portage’s therapeutic approach and environment.
In this setting, participants can develop autonomy within a space that fosters social support, with direct access to a team of counselors—right in their own living environment.
Supporting Loved Ones: Reducing Isolation and Stigma
Successful reintegration also depends on the support offered to those close to the participant. Living with someone struggling with addiction can be challenging, confusing, and deeply isolating. This is why Portage offers weekly support groups for families and loved ones.
These meetings provide a safe and welcoming space where participants can:
- share their experiences with others facing similar realities
- better understand the therapeutic process and the challenges related to addiction
- break isolation and stigma by encouraging open, judgment‑free expression
This essential support helps families and loved ones better cope with the realities of addiction and remain engaged and equipped throughout the recovery journey.
“The aftercare program reassures me and makes me feel safe, because it was very difficult for me to readjust to daily life after my time at Portage. Being able to talk to someone who understands my problems and my journey — and who truly cares — really helps me open up, something I couldn’t normally do with people outside of Portage. If I hadn’t had access to all the aftercare services, I can’t guarantee that I would have remained sober.”
Kelsey, Adult Program, Lac Écho
The Continuing Care Program
Our commitment continues even when a person must leave the residential program prematurely, before completing it. We recognize that transitioning back to daily life can be especially fragile in this situation. This is why Portage offers the possibility of maintaining phone contact, based on the participant’s needs and willingness.
These conversations provide compassionate listening and support tailored to the person’s pace and goals. When the participant wishes to receive more structured follow‑up or is considering re‑entering the residential program, we guide them through every step of the process, always respecting their individual journey.
Visits to the Residential Centre
For Reconnection or Continued Engagement
For participants who are actively engaged in their aftercare process, returning to the centre for a day visit or an evening meal can be deeply meaningful. This option remains open to all members of the Portage family.
For those experiencing greater challenges and requiring increased support from the residential therapeutic community, a short restorative stay is also available. These brief stays offer a safe and structured environment where participants can work on specific objectives while continuing their social reintegration journey.
Testimonials
