Program Description

Stonehenge Therapeutic Community was founded in 1971 as a long-term residential treatment program for men and women with a history of acute and chronic substance abuse.  The Agency has expanded over the years to offer a broad scope of addiction programs for a diverse client group. 

• Long-term Residential Treatment for Women
• Long- term Residential Treatment for Men
• Residential Methadone Program and Out Patient Methadone Case Management Program
• Early Childhood Development Addictions Program for Pregnant and Parenting Women  - including “Let’s Grow Together” Day Treatment Program
• Family Support Group
• Correctional Programs:
• Correctional Services of Canada – 13 residential beds for male and female federal offenders
• Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services – 10 residential beds for male and female provincial offenders

Stonehenge, a modified therapeutic community, is based on the belief that chronic addiction comes with an acquired lifestyle and that recovery requires a holistic approach with a particular emphasis on healthy life style changes.  Stonehenge offers an alternative lifestyle where issues, values/beliefs and behaviors are explored and challenged in an atmosphere of support.

Self help and a community focus set the tone for all interventions in a therapeutic community.  Residents, or community members, are encouraged to assist each other in every aspect of their treatment. Professional staff function as facilitators. In the residential program, clients are encouraged to take on increased responsibility for the well being of the community as a whole as they move through the stages of treatment.

Through a thorough assessment, Stonehenge ensures a good treatment fit for applicants and better prepares clients for treatment. Residential treatment (consisting of orientation, active treatment – an intense therapeutic experience, and re-entry) spans over a four to six month period, followed by up to two years of continuing care.  Support to families is also offered through the monthly Family Support Group while clients are in residential treatment.  

Both group and individual therapy are provided in order to address the unique treatment needs of each resident.  Specialized educational groups, as well as, life skills and anger management are also provided.  These groups address a variety of treatment issues and incorporate a broad range of coping strategies.   Treatment is further complimented by a variety of leisure and learning activities including recreation, art therapy, community speakers and craft projects.  

Except in emergencies, residents do not engage in any off site communication during the first week of the program.  After this initial orientation period, communication will resume, with visits by family members and community outings being arranged gradually according to each phase of treatment. 

• The use and/or possession of drugs, including alcohol, are absolutely prohibited.
• Threats or acts of violence are absolutely prohibited
• Engaging in sexual activity with other residents while in treatment is absolutely prohibited
  Violating any of these three major guidelines may result in immediate discharge from the Stonehenge treatment program.