What To Expect

What To Expect

Our programs are designed to help youth ages 12-18 with problematic drug and alcohol use achieve their goal of abstinence or reduce harmful consequences of substance misuse. The program is voluntary and offers medically supervised withdrawal support and supportive recovery programming, in a private, safe, culturally centered environment.

PROGRAM FEATURES

Live-In Wellness Program (stabilization) provides youth an opportunity to stabilize from the physical, emotional and educational consequences of mental health crises or substance use, for a period of ten weeks. 

Individual wellness plans address educational, vocational and life skills development, leisure and recreational opportunities, relapse prevention, harm reduction and personal development needs of youth. 

Live-In Wellness offers a safe, supportive place where youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, attend circle work, make significant life changes and develop confidence and skills for life.

The Youth Withdrawal Management (detox) program provides a safe, medically supervised environment for voluntary withdrawal from alcohol and/or other drugs. Services are geared to youths under the influence of substances, in withdrawal, and/or otherwise in crisis directly related to substance use. The program provides support and supervised care as each youth goes through his/her unique withdrawal process. The length of stay ranges from seven to 10 days. During this time a case manager will meet with the youth to develop a wellness plan to meet his/her/their individual needs.

woman walking on pathway during daytime

Holistic Wellness

At Orca Lelum we care for your complete wellbeing, encompassing heart, mind, body and spirit. We support participants to co-create individualized “whole-person” wellness plans that may include the following:

CULTURAL and SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES

  • Cultural: Learning about traditional crafts, stories, and practices, drumming and singing.
  • Ceremonies: Participation in blanket ceremonies, cedar brushings, traditional water cleansings and other healing rituals.
  • Elder Support: Guidance and wisdom from community Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
  • Traditional Medicine: Introduction to and use of traditional plants and healing methods.

THERAPEUTIC and COUNSELING SERVICES

  • Individual Counseling: One-on-one sessions with trained counselors.
  • Equine Therapy: individual and group sessions
  • Group Therapy: Peer support and group counseling sessions.
  • Family Involvement: Involvement of family members in the healing process.
  • Trauma-Informed Care: Specialized support for dealing with trauma and its effects.

EDUCATION and SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

  • Life Skills Training: Learning practical skills for daily living and independence.
  • Job Readiness: Support on resume building, interview skills, and job searching.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITES

  • Physical Activities: Sports, yoga, hiking, and other physical exercises
  • Art and Music Therapy: Creative outlets for expression and healing.
  • Outdoor Activities: Connection with nature through outdoor adventures.

HEALTH and WELLNESS SERVICES

  • Medical Care: Access to healthcare professionals for physical health needs.
  • Nutritional Support: Education on healthy eating and access to nutritious meals.
  • Mental Health Support: Services for addressing mental health issues and promoting overall well-being.
  • Healthy Living Environment: A culturally safe space where healthy living choices are promoted.
  • Nature: spending time on the Land, and time in nature to connect to self.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

  • Peer Support: Building connections with other participants through shared experiences.
  • Community Service: Opportunities to give back to the community and develop a sense of purpose.
  • Cultural Connections: Building a strong sense of cultural identity and pride.

AFTERCARE PLANNING

  • Prevention: Strategies and support for maintaining sobriety after the program.
  • Continued Support: Access to ongoing counseling and community resources.
  • Goal Setting: Helping participants set and achieve personal and professional goals.
Packing list or travel planner. Preparing for vacation, journey or trip.

What to Bring

PACKING LIST 

CLOTHING

  • Pants: jeans/track pants/shorts
  • T-shirts
  • Sweatshirts
  • Shoes: runners, slippers, rain boots
  • Socks
  • Underclothes
  • Jacket
  • Housecoat
  • Gym clothes (shorts, t-shirt)
  • Bathing suit

SEASONAL ITEMS

  • Winter coat
  • Rain coat 
  • Scarf/toque/mittens
  • Winter boots    

TOILETRIES and PERSONAL ITEMS

  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Hairbrush/comb
  • Personal items
  • Lotion

DO NOT BRING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTED ITEMS

Aerosols of any type, hairspray, mouth wash, nail polish, polish remover, razor blades, perfumes, matches, lighters and any sharp items or items containing alcohol. No stereos, personal CD players, cell phones, I-Pods, laptops, electronic games, DVD’s, CD’s or cameras. No pop or junk food (chocolate bars, candy, chips etc)

LUGGAGE IS SEARCHED UPON PROGRAM ENTRY

If restricted items are found or turned in at the program entry the items will be sent home immediately or held until the end of the program.

YOU MAY WISH TO BRING:

  • Favourite stuffed animal
  • Cuddly blanket
  • Items to help share your culture
  • Pictures from home (no glass in frames)
  • Books/magazines

CARE PACKAGES THAT ARE RECEIVED DURING TREATMENT WILL BE SEARCHED AND RESTRICTED ITEMS WILL BE HELD UNTIL THE END OF THE PROGRAM OR SENT HOME.