Our Program
We are an Indigenous agency that is open to people of all walks of life that are seeking a solution to the problem of addiction. We offer a solution to those suffering in the grips of a chronic, progressive and fatal illness by teaching them how to recreate there lives.
In Calgary, Sunrise is the only addictions treatment centre where Indigenous culture and spirituality are used harmoniously with the 12 Steps pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous for the treatment of addiction.
Because our abstinence-based approach is harmonious with Indigenous values and teachings, we have incorporated the use of the Medicine Wheel into all our recovery teachings.
Sunrise Programs and Services are based on Culture and the 12 steps, including the following:
• Enriched healing experience with Indigenous teachings and Sharing Circles
• Indigenous Elders meet with clients individually for spiritual teachings
• Educational teachings on resume writing, job skills and social boundaries
• Zero barrier Outpatient drop-in program
• Continued recovery through sponsorship in a the 12 Step fellowship
• Continued inclusion in Sunrise through the Alumni Group
• Guest presentations
Our 14 week Treatment Program Consists of the Following Sample Groups:
Pathways to Healing – Week 1
•Introduction to Medicine Wheel Goals
•Cultural Pathways to Recovery
•My Name is Bill W.
•Disease Concept of Addiction
•Step 1
Pathways to Healing – Week 2
•Sponsorship
•Primary Purpose – Effective Sharing
•Step 2
•Boundaries
•Step 3
•Anger and Resentment
Pathways to Healing – Week 3
•Step 4
•Step 5,6,7
•Parallels of A.A. and Cultural Tradition
•Forgiveness
•Seven Sacred Teachings
Pathways to Healing – Week 4
•Step 8 & 9
•Shame and Guilt
•Step 10
•Traditional Medicines and Ceremonies
•Step 11 and Meditation
•Step 1 to 11 Recap
Medicine Wheel – Physical
•Life Skills: Nutrition & Meal Planning
•Traditional Games and Skill Development
•Primary Purpose – How To Chair A Meeting
Medicine Wheel – Emotional – Week 6
•There is a Solution
•Big Book Prayers
•Relationships and Recovery
Medicine Wheel – Mental
•Defense Mechanisms
•Intro to Gambling Addiction
•Gamblers Anonymous Presentation
Medicine Wheel – Spiritual
•Vision Quest
•Living Sober
•In All Our Affairs
Medicine Wheel – Land
•Being of Service
•A Vision For You
•Practicing The 12 Principles
Medicine Wheel – Identity
•Outside Issues – Food Security and Healthcare Jobs
•12 Traditions
•Safelink/CUPS Health Presentation
Medicine Wheel – Language
•Bedevilments vs. Promises
•Self-Worth
•Budget, Finances, and Taxes
Medicine Wheel – Culture
•Improving Spirituality Through Cultural Identity
•Spiritual Experience
•Reclaiming History and Being an Ally
Building On Recovery – Week 13
•Step 1 to 11 Recap
•Step 12
•How to Continue the Steps and Program After Treatment
•Sponsorship Review
•Passing It On – Step 1
Building On Recovery – Week 14 – Living Sober
•Check-In: Upon Awakening
•Check-In: When We Retire At Night
•Check-In: A Vision For You
Clients participate in weekly Living the Circle activities, including Pipe Ceremonies, Cultural Crafts, Story Telling, Land-Based Education, Field Trips, and Sweat Lodges when available.
Inpatient clients attend weekly Mindfulness and Meditation Groups.
Admission Criteria
Must be 18 years of age or older
Free of alcohol and drugs for 3 days
No Couples
Can be self-referred.
All applications must be completed (including main portion and the medical) before potential clients are given an admission day. You can fax the sections separately if you wish.
Please give the Admissions Coordinator five working days to review your complete application before calling for an admission date. The Admissions form can be downloaded through the application tab at the top of the page.
Completed forms can be faxed to: (403) 269-5578
Sunrise Healing Lodge Society reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone we deem not appropriate for our programs.
For more information please contact our Admissions Coordinator at (403) 261-7921.
