Inpatient Treatment

Program Information

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.

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 Teachings at a Glance (Inpatient and Outpatient Programs)

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. Our 70 Day Treatment Program consists of the following sample of group topics:

Pathways to Healing – Week 1

• Cultural Pathways to Recovery & Aboriginal Sobriety Shield
• 12 Steps and 12 Step Fellowships
• History of the 12 Steps
• Disease Concept of Addiction
• Step 1

Pathways to Healing – Week 2

• Sponsorship
• Walking The Wheel
• Step 2
• Pipe Ceremony and Sweats
• Step 3
• Step 1,2,3 Recovery Hoop

Pathways to Healing – Week 3

• Step 4 (Step 5,6,7 is to be done by the client with their sponsor)
• Practicing the 12 Principles
• Recovery and Intergenerational Healing
• Steps 8 & 9

Physical – Fire

• Primary Purpose – Sharing
• Community Presentation
• Boundaries in Recovery
• Cultural Games and Skill Development
• Nutrition and Meal Planning
• Housing Presentations

Emotional – Water

• Forgiveness
• Spiritual Experience
• Shame and Self-Worth
• Pipe Ceremony
• Emotions and Addictions

Mental – Air  

• Defence Mechanisms
• Outside Issues and Outside Help
• Cultural Storytelling
• Values: Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going
• Intro to Gambling Addiction
• GA Presentation

Spiritual – Earth

• Vision Quest
• Tobacco – Traditional Use
• Sweat Lodge
• Parallels of A.A and Aboriginal Spirituality
• How Relationships Can Derail Recovery

Traditional Pathways

• Service
• 12 Traditions
• Indigenous crafting
• Resume Writing and Job Support
• Seven Sacred Teachings
• A Vision for You

Building on Recovery – Week 1

• Amends: Truth and Reconciliation
• Step 10
• Step 11
• Practicing the 12 Principles
• Step 12
• Working with Others – Passing it On: 12 Steps

Building on Recovery – Week 2

• Aftercare Planning

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 Clerk two working days to review your complete application before calling for an admission date. The Admissions form can be downloaded below.

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.