St. Joseph's Addiction & Recovery Centre in Estevan has been operating for five years, offering services for individuals experiencing substance use and behavioural addictions. Its approach includes therapy, healthy living supports, and opportunities for community engagement.
Kevin Smith, a long-time staff member at the centre, brings both personal and professional experience to the role. His involvement in recovery began 25 years ago.
“I took service work very seriously and I’ve been very involved in the recovery community for all of the years of my own recovery,” he said.
Smith initially took part in conversations about creating a treatment centre in the region. After referring early discussions to other professionals, he eventually accepted an invitation to join the staff. He described addiction as a “social pandemic,” and said the centre aims to address that through its programming.
The centre’s operations have shifted since it opened. It was originally affiliated with Cedars Cobble Hill, a treatment provider in British Columbia, but now functions with more autonomy.
“It changed right from day one to where we are today and it’s going to continue to change,” Smith explained. “We need to meet the needs of our patients and the needs to combat addiction as a whole.”
Treatment at the centre covers a range of substance use issues, including marijuana, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other mood-altering substances. It also offers trauma-informed therapy for behavioural concerns such as sex addiction and eating disorders.
Community involvement is one part of the centre’s approach. Patients are encouraged to take part in volunteer activities such as helping at the Woodlawn Golf Club, picking up garbage, walking dogs for the Humane Society, and supporting the Salvation Army.
“It’s keeping them active and giving back. It’s a little bit of a responsibility,” Smith said. “Those are some of the things that go away when you’re in active addiction, and it’s great for their own self-esteem to expose themselves to other people in the community.”
Physical activity and routine are also part of the centre’s structure. Patients receive three meals a day and participate in fitness programming, including cardio, strength training, and weekly yoga. While the facility has a small gym, outpatients often use public gyms in the community.
Referral and intake can be done through the provincial website (www.recoverysaskatchewan.com) or through mental health and addiction services. After registration, a screening process helps assess readiness for treatment. Individuals are then placed on a waitlist. The typical stay is between 60 and 90 days, though Smith said treatment is adjusted based on individual needs.
“There’s only two or three treatment centres in Saskatchewan that actually will treat patients based on the length of time that they feel necessary for the patient,” he said.
Smith noted that readiness for change plays a significant role in recovery.
“There’s an old saying. Nothing changes if nothing changes,” he said. “Everybody, when they get in that desperate mode, they all want to be here, but it’s what it looks like after they get here, and are they truly motivated to change their own lives?”
Some clients transition into sober living after completing inpatient treatment. The facility, affiliated with the centre, provides a setting where residents can work on life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for their space. Residents are encouraged to attend weekly check-ins and participate in group therapy through the alumni program.
“We encourage them to stay connected to us and others in recovery,” Smith said. “Addiction is isolating.”
A buddy system is in place for outings to help support safety and accountability. Many sober living residents also pursue part-time work or education while continuing with their recovery. The centre provides encouragement, but individuals are expected to take initiative.