Program Overview

Life Science Addiction Treatment Center
Life Science Addiction
Treatment Center
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the
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Program Overview
Mission
Philosophy of Intervention
Program Components
Clinical Setting & Staff
T: 450.451.9995 / E: info@life-science.ca / W: life-science.ca

Mission
Mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with
the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her
community. - World Health Organization
Life Science Addiction Treatment Center is a private, residential facility for English-speaking
adults struggling with alcohol and/or drug addiction. We offer highly personalized inpatient
services of short-, moderate-, or long-term duration.
Our goal is the provision of responsible, evidence-based treatment practices in a professional and
affordable manner. Teaching constructive life skills is a primary means of discontinuing harmful or
self-limiting behaviour, as well as in achieving successful levels of personal, social and occupational
functioning.
Finally, we hope to foster personal growth in supporting these complimentary goals: rehabilitation,
maintenance of positive change, promotion of mental wellness.
Objectives
Provide current information and conceptions surrounding addiction
Assist in the identification of maladaptive response patterns
Facilitate the adoption of more effective coping skills
Provide follow-up recommendations and referrals
Continue to improve services through professional training and development
Establish resource networks within the therapeutic community
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or
infirmity. - World Health Organization

Philosophy of Treatment
Addiction as Mental Illness
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and
use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain; they change
its structure and how it works. - National Institute on Drug Abuse
According to the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental
Disorders (DSM-V), symptoms associated with Substance Use Disorder fall into four major
categories: impaired control, social impairment, risky use and pharmacological criteria (i.e.
tolerance, withdrawal). Diagnosis occurs when a person meets a minimum of two criteria (out of
11 total), within a 12-month period; depending on the total number of criteria met, the disorder is
then classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Recognition of Co-Occurring (Comorbid) Illnesses
When two disorders or illnesses occur in the same person, simultaneously or sequentially, they are described as
comorbid. Comorbidity also implies interactions between the illnesses that affect the course and prognosis of
both.
Data show that persons diagnosed with mood or anxiety disorders are about twice as likely to suffer also from
a drug use disorder compared with respondents in general. Similarly, persons diagnosed with drug disorders are
roughly twice as likely to suffer also from mood and anxiety disorders.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
Research suggests that successful outcomes for those with co-occurring disorders are not only
increased but also often contingent on simultaneous, integrated treatment of both. Thus, we put
equal emphasis on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of any additional mental health issues.

Treatment Principles
The integration of principles and associated techniques from multiple
therapeutic approaches is a necessary practice in personalizing
treatment. Diversity of effective intervention strategies acknowledges
the diversity in individual experiences, needs and limitations. Notably,
every approach within our therapeutic framework reflects consistency
in key values underlying responsible care. Perhaps most importantly,
we strive to empower individuals through the establishment of a
collaborative client-counsellor relationship, built on unconditional
empathy, respect and acceptance.
Our clinical program is founded on the principles of cognitive-
behavioural therapy, an intervention method whose significant
effectiveness is indicated by widespread research findings. In addition to classical CBT training, we
often apply other treatment processes that have also been studied and supported with regards to
rehabilitation from addiction and potential co-occurring mental illness.
Evidence-Based • Client-Centered • Goal-Oriented • Multidimensional
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
A psychotherapeutic approach designed to challenge persisting cycle(s) of negative beliefs
and corresponding behaviours. This is accomplished by helping a client RECOGNIZE,
AVOID and COPE with the situations in which they are vulnerable. Two core
components of cognitive-behavioural intervention include functional analyses and skills
training. Emphasis on appropriate cognitive-behavioural change.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
A branch of cognitive-behavioural therapy focused on developing the skills to manage
attention (mindfulness), emotions, distress and interpersonal relations. Emphasis on the
importance of appropriate change, with the added dimension of practicing necessary
acceptance.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
A technique employed by clinicians to access intrinsic motivation within a client to seek
change(s), as well as capitalize on their readiness to do so.

The 13 Principles of Effective Treatment
As issued by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a federal research institute
whose mission is "to lead the Nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drug
abuse and addiction", and part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
1. Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behaviour.
2. No single treatment is appropriate for everyone.
3. Treatment needs to be readily available.
4. Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug abuse.
5. Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical.
6. Behavioural therapies - including individual, family, or group counselling - are the most commonly used forms of
drug abuse treatment.
7. Medications are an important element of treatment for many patients, especially when combined with counseling
and other behavioral therapies.
8. An individual's treatment and services plan must be assessed continually and modified as necessary to ensure that it
meets his or her changing needs.
9. Many drug-addicted individuals also have other mental disorders.
10. Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment and by itself does little to change long-
term drug abuse.
11. Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective.
12. Drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously, as lapses during treatment do occur.
13. Treatment programs should test patients for the presence of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and
other infectious diseases as well as provide targeted risk-reduction counseling, linking patients to treatment if necessary.

Program Components
Component Rationale
Standardized screeners,
assessments & evaluations
Provide insight with regards to underlying factors contributing to substance
use, and/or in identifying any co-occurring disorders (anxiety, depression,
etc.).
Provide relevant questions and guidance in preparing for medical and/or
psychiatric follow-up.
Educational lectures on
topics of addiction
Provide current, research-supported information conceptualizing addiction as
a disease.
Reinforce dangers of continued use and consequent need for change, clarify
misconceptions, provide a framework of understanding wherein clients’
struggles are normalized.
Attempt to reduce distress caused by confusion, fear and guilt.
Life skills & cognitive-
behavioural training
workshops
Highlight the connection between thought processes and behavioural
responses; allow clients to begin identifying their maladaptive
thought/behaviour patterns.
Introduce constructive coping skills in a theoretical context and begin
development of personalized relapse prevention plans.
Group & individual therapy
sessions
Provide structured, collaborative forums in which to address concerns, assess
progress and/or modify treatment goals on the group and individual level.
Opportunity to practice giving and receiving feedback.
Off-site exercise, leisure &
recreational and/or
community activities
Provide opportunity to develop and apply new skills in practical contexts,
increase clients’ self-awareness regarding triggers (high-risk people, places,
situations, etc.); exposure therapy, systematic desensitization, supportive
coping.
Reinforce importance of balance in daily living, explore interests to replace
substance use, gain experience living substance-free in a manner reflective of
clients’ realities (allow for easier re-integration).
12-step introduction Opens clients’ perspectives on understanding and treating addiction;
diversifies exposure to effective intervention strategies.
Creates opportunity to connect with people in recovery; develop support
network.
Medical assessment &
psychiatric consultation
Addresses health-related concerns; allows for diagnosis of co-occurring
mental and/or physical issues, provides direction and/or affirmation regarding
the working treatment plan.
13-week continued care
program
Provides clients with continued support during re-integration phase of
treatment.

Component Sample Items
Standardized screeners,
assessments & evaluations
ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine)
C.O.Q. (suicide assessment)
CIWA (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment)
ASI (Addiction Severity Index)
Client profile, as created by Life Science clinician
Beck Anxiety Inventory
Beck Depression Inventory
Educational lectures on
topics of addiction
Understanding Addiction
Understanding Relapse
Stages of Change
Life skills & cognitive-
behavioural training
workshops
Core Mindfulness
Understanding & Managing Anxiety
Distress Tolerance
Effective Communication - Styles & Roadblocks
Giving & Receiving Feedback
Interpersonal Effectiveness
SMART/Treatment Goals
Emotion Regulation
Emotional Intelligence
Cognitive Distortions/Mind Traps
Process of Problem-Solving
How to Sabotage Treatment
Impulse Control Skills
Thought & Behaviour Cycles
Group & individual therapy
sessions
Off-site exercise, leisure &
recreational and/or
community activities
Rigaud Mountain
Outdoor parks (various locations)
Coffee shops
Hudson Gym
Stable (Sandridge Farm)
City of Montreal (museums, landmarks, etc.)
12-step introduction Weekly AA meetings - Step, Discussion & Speaker meetings (various locations)
Medical assessment &
psychiatric consultation
13-week continued care
program
Regular, ongoing contact - Skype, telephone, email, in-person

Clinical Setting & Staff
Environment
The residence is nestled on Rigaud Mountain (Quebec), creating a natural and serene recovery
environment. Located 45 minutes from Montreal and 90 minutes from Ottawa, this allows for
convenient access to medical and/or hospital services in either province.
Clients enjoy personal space on a level of the residence which includes laundry room, media
lounge, as well as semi-private bedrooms (with en-suite bathrooms). In 2015, renovations on four
additional inpatient beds were completed, along with upgrades to the pre-existing interior in its
entirety.
Clinical Team
Executive Director: Marjorie Clarke
Clinical Supervisor: Anita Cugliandro
Psychiatrist: Dr. John. C. Perry
Physician: Dr. Stan van Duyse
Case Manager: Frances McTeigue
Case Manager: Ryan Aronson
Educator: Sara Lancia
Educator: Jackie Lalancette

Daily Schedule - Sample
7:00 - 8:00 Wake up, tidy room, shower & dress
8:00 - 8:45 Breakfast meal + clean-up
9:00 - 9:30 Daily chores
9:30 - 10:00 Morning air & exercise
10:15 - 10:30 Active relaxation
10:30 - 12:15 Life skills workshop / Group therapy
12:15 - 1:15 Lunch meal + clean-up
1:15 - 2:15 Afternoon exercise
rotation of indoor (gym) & outdoor exercise
2:30 - 3:30 Activity
rotation of off-site recreation & in-house readings / assignments
3:45 - 4:30 Free time
4:30 - 5:00 Supper prep.
5:30 - 6:30 Supper meal + clean-up
6:30 - 7:00 Prep. for evening activity
rotation of AA meetings & in-house activities
7:00 - 9:00 Activity
9:00 + Journal writing, relaxation, bedtime prep.
11:00 Lights out

Program Overview

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