Health and Wellness

The medical community recognizes that addiction is a physical disease which affects the biochemistry and metabolic makeup of alcoholics/addicts.  The disease of addiction parallels all other chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes as there is a genetic predisposition; they are progressive; chronic and life threatening. Studies have shown that a change in lifestyle is an important component to the treatment of all chronic conditions/diseases.

Our resident clinical counsellor and health and fitness expert, Sue Adamson is a passionate advocate for health and wellness and specializes in an integrative approach to addictions recovery. She is certified in a variety of modalities including personal training, active rehabilitation exercise, nutrition and yoga.  

• Clients are introduced to the wellness wheel in order to set realistic goals in achieving a healthy balanced lifestyle in their recovery.
• Clients receive a membership to the YMCA and are encouraged to utilize the facilities and participate in other recreational activities as a group during their free time.
• Clients participate in relaxation groups that incorporate stress management and relaxation techniques such as breath work, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness based relapse prevention, meditation and yoga.
• Clients are educated in building a healthy nutritional foundation that assists in reducing the craving cycle by utilizing the Canada’s Food Guide and the glycemic index.

The disease of addiction is a chronic, progressive, and relapsing disorder that can be effectively treated through abstinence.   We at Sage believe that supporting clients in developing a foundation in the 12 step program along with client education and counselling and adopting a wellness-oriented lifestyle is the key to successful relapse prevention and long term recovery.