Recovery Addiction Support (RAS) is an abstinence-based program for individuals recovering from substance use addiction offering daily psycho-educational groups covering a great variety of topics related to recovery, mental health, and wellness.
These groups are facilitated by an Addiction Clinician, Addiction Counsellor, and Addiction Workers. The psycho-educational groups address the biopsychosocial aspects of recovery including stress reduction, healthy boundaries, anxiety, anger, communication skills, depression, and dozens of other topics to support the needs of clients with co-occurring diagnoses.
Recovery from substance misuse involves more than just stopping use. It requires a significant commitment on your part to change many aspects of your life: friends; attitudes; behaviour; coping strategies; etc. We want to help you acquire the tools for a positive recovery, and by utilizing these resources, you can lay the foundations for a healthy life.
There is a hope that you will be an active participant in the group discussions. In order to maintain the integrity of the program and the safety of clients, while acknowledging that relapse is a part of the addiction and recovery process, we have developed a relapse procedure that addresses the safety of clients at Recovery Addiction Support while recognizing the recovery needs of individuals.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
- Recovery Addiction Support is an abstinence-based program. However, we understand that slips happen in recovery – if this occurs, we ask that you wait 24 hours before returning to group, and encourage you to connect with a program facilitator for support.
- RAS is designed to be a flexible program; there is no minimum or maximum number of hours that you must attend.
- There is no charge for the service.
Groups are offered 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
- Any adult resident of South Vancouver Island who has a substance misuse problem.
- You must not be in withdrawal, with a commitment to maintaining abstinence.
- Your physical and mental health need to be stable enough to manage in a group environment.
Family Recovery Addiction Support (FRAS)
We also offer a weekly group for loved ones (family and friends) of an individual struggling with addiction, called Family Recovery Addiction Support (FRAS).
Family Recovery Addiction Support is a weekly support group for people affected by someone else’s substance use. Anybody who is affected by someone in their life who is dealing with addiction is eligible.
Information is provided to attendees by discussion and psychoeducational presentations. The Recovery Addiction Support team, made up of Addiction Clinicians, Addiction Counsellors, and Addiction Workers, facilitate FRAS. Participation is guided by principles of inclusion, understanding and education. Emphasis is placed on cultural awareness and safety.
Having a loved one in active addiction can be a difficult place to be and will have a toll. Attending regular FRAS group meetings will help you gain understanding and acquire the skills needed to support your loved one.
Groups are offered every Wednesday from 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE HELP OR SUPPORT
If you are in a situation that involves immediate risk of harm to self or others, please call 9-1-1.
For emotional support or assistance contact Vancouver Island 24 Hour Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888.
