Admissions  

Admissions – Residential Option

Eligibility

Clients must meet the following conditions prior to admission:

• 19 years of age or older
• have been assessed by a qualified professional as substance dependent
• have not used alcohol or other mood-altering drugs for at least the past two weeks, including benzodiazepines, codeine, barbiturates and opiate analgesics, and prepared to abstain from alcohol, tobacco and other mood-altering drugs for the duration of treatment
• if on methadone, stabilized for a minimum of three months
• emotionally able to participate in group therapy
• able to defer any pending court dates or extensive medical/dental issues until after treatment
• able to understand and communicate in English, and manage a program that requires a basic level of reading and writing
• committed to making important life changes to support recovery

Please note that Aurora Centre is a tobacco-free facility, and clients who reduce or abstain from tobacco prior to arrival find it easier to proceed with treatment. However it is not necessary to be two weeks tobacco-free prior to arrival as with other substances. Nicotine Replacement Therapies such as the patch or gum are provided by Aurora.

Admission Process

Clients must be referred by a qualified professional such as a counsellor, psychologist, physician, nurse practitioner or psychiatrist. For assistance with locating an alcohol and drug counsellor, contact the Alcohol and Drug Referral Service toll-free at 1-800-663-1441, or from the Lower Mainland call 604-660-9382.

Clients who are pregnant are given preferential admission.

What to Bring to Aurora

Please bring the following with you to Aurora:

• six-week supply of prescription medications which have been pre-approved by Aurora, in your name, in the original prescription container, and indicating correct, current dosage
• basic personal identification, including Care Card and/or Status Card
• casual, comfortable clothes, including exercise clothing and runners for fitness classes and daily walks, rain or shine (free laundry facility available)
• reusable water bottle
• bathrobe and slippers
• toiletries (scent and alcohol-free)
• a long-distance calling card for a land-line, if long distance calls will be required during your stay (cell phones are not accessible during the week)

The Aurora Centre is designed to be as warm and home-like as possible. Please feel free to bring the following if they would add to your comfort and pleasure while here:

• favourite mementoes, photos, etc. from home
• your own pillow and/or blanket if this would make you feel more at home
• minimum of $20/week funds for out-of-pocket expenses and public transportation to meetings and social events
• reading material for after the retreat period ends
• your guitar, flute or other non-electrical musical instrument
• cameras are allowed, with restrictions to ensure others’ privacy

What Not to Bring

• valuables or large amounts of money
• food or beverages of any kind
• un-labelled vitamins or other preparations, or over-the-counter medications, with the exception of Nicotine Replacement Therapies. Any of these things that are brought will be turned in upon arrival and will be reviewed by the Aurora physician.
• MP3, iPod, laptop, etc.
• clothing or other items promoting tobacco, alcohol or drugs

Updated March 31, 2010