The 1835 Recovery Model: An Urban Residential Program for Men with Alcohol and Drug Addictions

1835 House is a men’s alcohol and drug recovery centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, serving resident and day-program clients. The 1835 Recovery Model results from 36 years of front-line experience treating men with alcohol and drug addictions. It represents the collective wisdom and commonsense of accredited counsellors who are themselves addiction survivors. Because it was developed by men in recovery for men in recovery, the model espouses a compassionate but no-nonsense approach to treatment. The recovery philosophy is that of Alcoholics Anonymous, and therapy is grounded in the AA 12-Step Program. Other essential features of the model include exclusive focus on maintaining physical and emotional sobriety (as distinct from harm reduction models that treat a spectrum of behaviors concurrently), prompt return to employment, peer mentoring, and an active alumni association.

In a follow-up survey of 136 former clients who completed a program at 1835 House, 82% reported continuous abstinence for six months after discharge, 74% for twelve months, and 73% for two years or more.

Detailed statistics on client demographics and recovery outcomes are presented in the appendices. The pragmatic concerns of staffing and funding 1835 House are also addressed, and fund raising strategies that have failed and worked are discussed.

This book offers a complete guide to the recovery approach, organization, and funding of a highly successful residential treatment centre. While the model was developed for a men’s facility, it is equally applicable to women’s needs.