Recovery Reimagined: Outpatient Substance Use Programming

Recovery Reimagined offers a range of outpatient trauma-informed substance use recovery programs through MGH's Withdrawal Management Services. We take a transformative and radical approach to recovery by highlighting the role that shame, stigma, and interlocking systems of oppression play in creating and perpetuating addiction. We actively challenge this cycle by providing a space that fosters self-compassion, self-determination, and connection, and by recognizing that recovery is a non-linear process. We are a goal-inclusive program, and neither recent use nor abstinence are requirements for participation.

Recovery Reimagined is located off-site at Withdrawal Management Services at 985 Danforth Avenue (not located within the hospital).

Recovery Reimagined offers two core programs:

1) Skills Groups - No waitlist / No ongoing commitment required
2) Intensive Program - Waitlist / Consistent attendance required

We encourage you to explore the different program options below, and self-refer to the program that best meets your needs. Please complete the general intake form below. ACCESS the RECOVERY REIMAGINED INTAKE FORM

skills Groups

Skills groups are available for anyone interested in engaging with recovery programming with no ongoing commitment required. Skills groups provide an opportunity to learn about substance use and recovery, to develop and practice coping skills, and to access a safe space to connect with other people who have concerns about their substance use.

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Schedule

Mondays @ 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. - open to everyone - IN PERSON
Alternating Tuesdays @ 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. - reserved for women & non-binary people - IN PERSON
Alternating Wednesdays @ 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. - reserved for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community - IN PERSON
Thursdays @ 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. - open to everyone - ONLINE
Thursdays @ 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. - open to everyone - IN PERSON

Once you've completed the intake form, click here to reserve a spot in an upcoming group.

Intensive program

The Intensive Program is for anyone committed to a deep exploration of substance use and recovery. Group members are supported in setting and working toward substance use goals, developing distress tolerance and coping skills, and exploring a wide range of topics, including self-compassion, coping with cravings, mindful honesty, and boundaries. A few priority spots are reserved for individuals who regularly attend Skills Groups.

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The Intensive Program runs three days a week, for a total of five weeks
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Open to all genders
Please complete the general intake form above

Other Programs

Exploring Trauma is an advanced first-stage trauma group that focuses on envisioning and enacting safety within our self and our environment. Exploring Trauma runs once weekly for 6 consecutive weeks and offered in-person a few times a year. Exploring Trauma is only offered to community members who have either graduated the Intensive Program or consistently attend Skills Groups. For more information, speak to a facilitator before or after a Skills Group.
Continuing Care groups offer a space to check in, share challenges, and learn from each other’s wisdom and experience. Continuing Care groups are available to folks who have completed the Intensive Program or Exploring Trauma.

Program Values

Recovery Reimagined is rooted in several therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Structured Relapse Prevention, Emotion Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. It is not based on 12-step ideology. Instead, it is rooted in the biopsychosocial model and is built upon the following core values:

Low Barrier → We actively work towards programming that is inclusive and accessible.
Strengths-Based → We recognize and leverage the intrinsic strengths of each individual.
Evidence-Informed → We use existing best practices in the mental health, trauma, substance use, and concurrent disorders fields.
Trauma-Informed → We prioritize the principles of Trauma-informed Practice (safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, empowerment)
Harm Reduction Informed → We honour all goal choices and integrate harm reduction philosophy and skills.
Gender-Transformative → We challenge binary gender norms and heteronormativity, while recognizing the role of unique societal pressures.
Anti-Oppressive Practice → We highlight and challenge interlocking systems of oppression (racism, sexism, homophobia, fatphobia, sanism, capitalism, colonialism).

Information about Accessibility

985 Danforth Ave is accessible via public transit, located across the street from Donlands subway station. Street and paid parking is limited. The entrance to the building is wheelchair-accessible at street level. Programming is located on the second floor, which is accessible by elevator and stairs. At present, there is no automatic door at the entrance or the group room. All washrooms are gender-neutral and there is an accessible washroom with automatic doors on the second floor. If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact the program facilitators.

Leading Practice Program

Recovery Reimagined is honoured to have been selected as a Leading Practice through the Health Standards Organization. A Leading Practice is an innovative, people-centred, evidence-informed practice that has been implemented by teams in an organization. Leading Practice programs demonstrate a positive change related to safe and reliable care, accessible and appropriate care, and integrated care. Follow this link for more details.