There are different requirements for each of our two programs. 

Withdrawal Management is a co-ed program for individuals of all genders, 18+, and both housed and unhoused individuals are welcome. We currently have 15 beds available as part of this inpatient detox unit. Individuals must be in a state of active substance use for a bed in the Withdrawal Management program. If they have not used substances in the past 72 hours, they do not qualify for a bed. 

The second phase of our ROSC program is Recovery Transition. We currently have 20 beds available. This is an inpatient, abstinence-based, pre-treatment program that is open to all genders, aged 18+, and both housed and unhoused individuals are welcome. However, eligible clients will have completed a detox stay, either in our Withdrawal Management program, or another external facility. Door-to-door transportation must be provided from the sending facility. 

To qualify for our Recovery Transition program, individuals must have been medically cleared for discharge from a detox facility and be on a waitlist for a treatment facility. More specifically, we ask that individuals have a confirmed intake date at a treatment facility or be on a minimum of two waitlists. The program is not intended for individuals that do not have recovery-oriented goals. 

Yes, our general space is wheelchair accessible, but the smoke deck dedicated to this program is not. We make every attempt to support all clients of our programs. However, we ask that individuals be able to maintain their own activities of daily living. This means being able to transfer from their wheelchair to bed, shower, etc. Though we make every attempt to provide an accessible experience for everyone, we cannot guarantee bottom-bunk availability. 

The length of stay is dependent on the individual’s substance use history and their condition while detoxing. Most people are in the Withdrawal Management program between 5 and 7 days, and clients of our Recovery Transition program can stay for up to three months.

The program supports individuals with all substance use disorders, although we are unable to accept individuals with process disorders such as gambling addiction.  

The Withdrawal Management program provides 24/7 Licensed Practical Nurses, access to a physician 7 days a week (although remote visits might be required on weekends and holidays), as well as a dedicated Registered Social Worker during the week and voluntarily access to Addictions Counselor a few evenings a week.  

The Recovery Transition program is not a medically supported program. Instead, we offer access to Peer Support Workers, Recovery Care Workers, a Registered Social Worker, and Addictions Counsellor. We also provide both internal and external group therapy programming, recreation activities, and access to recovery community events. Individuals in this program will access medical assistance in the community, as needed.  

Individuals in the Withdrawal Management program are not permitted to have day passes or leave the treatment area during their admission. There are no exceptions granted. If an individual chooses to leave, they will be discharged from the program and a restriction of services from the program will be in place for a minimum of three days, depending on the scenario. 

Individuals in the Recovery Transition program may qualify for day passes, outside of the mandatory programming schedule, although they may not qualify for a day pass until they have been admitted to the program for up to 24 hours, depending on circumstances. We also plan a variety of group activities and outings when available. 

Anyone interested in our Withdrawal Management program can contact us using the contact form on this webpage or by calling us at 403-699-8236. Alternatively, folks can come to the Calgary Drop-In Centre’s main lobby at the time of triage assessment, which is 7 am, 7 days/week, although entry is not guaranteed. 

In order to gain access to the lobby, individuals will be asked to create a profile and receive a “New Guest Orientation” to the Emergency Shelter, which is required of all new guests of the DI. This orientation includes an introduction to all services offered at the DI (not just our ROSC programs), as well as recording of personal information (name, date of birth, etc.) and a Consent to Services. This process can take up to 30 minutes. 

If someone has never stayed at the DI before, we recommend that they come at least 30 minutes before triage assessments begin, around 6:30 am, so that they complete all requirements in time. 

Admission is based on bed availability and severity of withdrawal symptoms/likelihood for withdrawal complications; NOT first come, first served. Individuals must be in a state of active substance use for a bed in the detox program. If they have not used substances in the past 72 hours, they do not qualify for a bed.  

Please download our Referral Form and fill it out to the best of your ability. Once complete, you can use the contact form on this webpage to make your referral. Please be sure to attach your referral form to your message or fax to 403-538-6591. We will contact you with the next steps. Submitting a referral does not guarantee a bed in our program.