Recovery Reimagined offers a range of outpatient substance use and trauma 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 four programs:
1) Skills Groups
2) Intensive Program
3) Exploring Trauma
4) Continuing Care
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.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS 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
EXPLORING TRAUMA
Research has shown that a history of trauma and substance use go hand-in-hand, and that the relationship between the two can be bi-directional. Many people support themselves by using substances as a coping mechanism to deal with the impacts of trauma, and substance use can increase the likelihood of experiencing a traumatic event. Exploring Trauma is an advanced first-stage trauma group, and does not require participants to dive deep into detail or re-storying previous traumas. Instead, the program focuses on envisioning and enacting safety within our body and our environment.
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- Exploring Trauma cohorts run in the Spring and in Autumn
- Each cohort runs once per week, for a total of seven weeks
- Each group is two hours long
- Cohorts are gender-specific
- Please complete the general intake form above
Continuing Care
Continuing Care groups are offered to folks who have completed the Intensive Program or Exploring Trauma. Continuing Care is an open processing group that provides a space to check-in, share challenges, and learn from each other’s wisdom and experience. It is reserved for clients who have gotten to know each other and have a strong familiarity with our community commitments.
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- Continuing Care group runs once a week
- Each group is 90 minutes long
- Please connect with facilitators if you are interested in participating
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.
