Mental Health and Addiction Programs
Located in Montreal
514 935-3431
info_tstm@portage.ca
In a safe environment, men and women suffering from both mental illness (primarily schizophrenia and other related disorders) and substance abuse disorder, work on the root causes of their addiction problems and learn how to live a healthy and positive life free from drugs.
Substance abuse and mental health disorders are treated together.
The therapeutic community and support from other residents in similar situations are there to help you regain your confidence and self-esteem. At Portage, we often say only you can do it, but you can’t do it alone.
Services are provided in collaboration with your medical team, family and support network. A multidisciplinary team oversees your medical and psychological needs from the time of admission to your reintegration into mainstream society.
Aftercare and continuing care services help you reconnect with family and loved ones, build healthy social networks and maintain a positive lifestyle after treatment.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
Upon admission, new residents are welcomed by those currently in treatment, who help them understand how the program works. Under the supervision of a team of clinical staff members, residents support and encourage each other through the program, helping each other to acquire the necessary competencies and knowledge to move through the phases and eventually become role models to new residents. THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY APPROACH
Objectives
- Eliminate abusive consumption of drugs/alcohol
- Greater comprehension of mental illness<br>(symptom management, medication compliance)
- Decreased hospitalizations
- Develop self-esteem and acquire social skills to better handle life’s challenges
- Improve family relationships for better social support system
- Social reintegration: back to school, work, or volunteer work
Typical Day
- Breakfast
- Morning meeting
- Psycho-educational group
- Workshop
- Lunch
- Sport and cultural activities
- Community groups
- Dinner
- Night meeting
- Free time
Addiction for me, for everyone really, is a monster. It took me somewhere in life I never wanted to go. It was dark, depressing, and horrible. I'll never forget what Portage did for my life, it saved me.
