Addiction Medicine Program: First Responders, Military & Veterans
Care for Our People in Uniform
The professional persona of first responders, military, and veterans can often make their experience in addiction, treatment, and recovery different from the civilian experience. These differences can influence the perception of substance use disorder and interactions with others in treatment, so Homewood’s Addiction Medicine Program provides a stream for uniformed professionals.
Who this stream is for
Active and retired first responders (e.g. firefighters, police, corrections, paramedics, coastguards), military and veterans are welcomed into this group. All uniformed professionals will automatically be enrolled in this stream. The treatment team, including the attending physician, will use clinical judgment in cases where the clinical utility and appropriateness of participation is questionable.
Addiction Medicine for First Responders, Military & Veterans
The Addiction Medicine Program FRMV Stream consists of a twice-weekly group session involving people who share similar occupational cultures and allows for a space to discuss issues the participants might be reluctant to disclose in the presence of civilians.
Common topics include:
- consequences of addiction related to work and work performance
- fear of stigma from co-workers
- managing cravings and using cues within the work environment
- maintaining abstinence in environments where use can be a part of the culture
- staying safe in situations where drugs need to be confiscated
- perception of having shamed the uniform
- attending recovery meetings within the community where people that you may have had professional contact with in the past may be present; and
- building resilience against the negative effects of operational stressors
"Everyone has a different reason to stop drinking initially," says Dick. "But you need to find reasons to keep sober too. Use the time you haven’t had a drink as proof to yourself that you can do it. Hang on, because you don’t need it. If you need Homewood for help, you will leave there with a different attitude toward life."
How to Get Help
To be admitted to the Homewood Health Centre, you require a referral from your doctor or other healthcare professional. We can help you with the patient referral and admissions process.
Contact Intake and Admitting at 519.824.1010 or 1.866.839.2594, extension 32551 or email admit@homewoodhealth.com
Traumatic Stress Injury & Concurrent Program (TSICP): Guardians Program
Creates a community that helps patients struggling with trauma and concurrent addiction through the healing process and is open to individuals who have experienced persistent negative psychological effects of a traumatic event(s).
Healthcare Professionals
Specialty inpatient program focused on treating individuals struggling with substance use and concurrent disorders.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Care (CPC)
The care provided in this inpatient program is aimed at minimizing symptoms of chronic mental illness and helping individuals to reach their maximum level of functioning.
Want to Learn More?
If you're interested in other Homewood programs, click below.