LEADING THUNDERBIRD LODGE

Leading Thunderbird Lodge accepts clients that are referred from many different sources – through the National Native Drug and Alcohol Program (NADAP), drop-in centres and corrections. We have self-referral persons who have heard about the centre from other customers and want to try the same. We have a waiting list, so if somebody calls up, it depends on the waiting list and how long it will take them to get in. Sometimes it’s two weeks, and occasionally it takes 2 months. The majority are younger, from 18 to 25. The age limit is 17. We like to ensure they’re all clear of their court cases, so there will be nothing to interfere with their recovery. We try to restrict the number from the courts and legal system simultaneously.

Too many from the courts can become specialized programs dealing with corrections. We have a more challenging time as often they’re not here because they want to be here. They’re here because someone else has told them to be here. When we bring new clients into the program, we do orientations, evaluations and assessments in the first week. They are introduced to the centre, the rules and the responsibilities of the Center. The fundamental rules are no alcohol or drugs throughout rehab, and they must participate in the program. We also stress the need for confidentiality when they’re in the program. Also, in that first week, we get a firm commitment from them that they’re here for the right reasons. Everybody who comes in receives a physical exam from the doctor so we can find out if they need medical attention. Sometimes after they sober up, there are medical complications, so we ensure they are healthy. Then we assess to see if they’re in the right place. Occasionally, we refer someone to a different recovery center that is more suitable for them. Clients that fit into our program start in the second week of the treatment program. It’s a combination of lectures, talks, and films. We put in a few standards of living skills exercises to make people more aware of specific behaviours. And we have one-to-one talking and group therapy. The days are practically complete. They start in the morning with a spirituality session. Spirituality is one of the main focuses. We use both Native and non-denominational spirituality about 50-50. We don’t have any on staff, but we do bring Elders in to talk to the clients.

SERVICES OFFERED

Fort Qu’Appelle Residential Long-Term, Substance Abuse Treatment, Group Counselling, Individual Counselling, Assessment, Fort Qu’appelle Residential Treatment, Fort Qu’appelle, Residential Drug Rehab

CONTACT

Website: http://leadingthunderbirdlodge.ca/

Telephone: (306) 332-5659 ext. 225