Wayside House of Hamilton

Wayside House of Hamilton Review

Located 50 miles southwest of Toronto in the beautiful port city of Hamilton, Ontario, Wayside House of Hamilton is a non-profit treatment organization that specializes in the care of men over the age of 19 struggling struggling with alcohol and substance use disorders. The facility incorporates a range of therapeutic methods including psychoeducation, life skills, relapse prevention and evidence-based therapies. The 12-step recovery model is a major component of the curriculum. It’s worth mentioning, Wayside House is accredited through the Canadian Centre for Accreditation.

Accommodations and Food

Situated in a large, three-story brick building in a nice neighborhood, Wayside offers a safe and stable environment ideal for recovery. The communal atmosphere provides lots of support while still allowing for privacy. The facility offers a spacious floor plan, large kitchen and a comfortable common room with couches, games, a DVD library and flatscreen TV.

Bedrooms are shared by two or four clients and are equipped with twin-sized beds, lots of storage and plenty of natural light. There are accommodations for 21 men. Clients must keep up with daily chores and keep their area clean.

The home is situated near a number of 12-step meetings. Smoking is permitted in certain designated outdoor areas. Visitors are allowed on weekends.

The facility provides a nutritious and tasty menu and clients learn how to prepare healthy, affordable meals. Alternative options are available for individuals with specific dietary needs.

Treatment and Staff

Before beginning at Wayside House, clients first undergo a comprehensive admissions assessment that includes an examination of the individual’s physical and mental health, a drug test and a complete account of substance use. From there, the facility determines the best possible individualized treatment plan tailored to meet the unique needs, goals and circumstances of the person. Clients meet with a primary therapist to outline treatment goals and a customized discharge strategy. While the length of the residential program varies from person to person, most clients stay between five and six weeks. Wayside accepts clients currently taking Suboxone, but not methadone.

Wayside offers a multifaceted approach to care that integrates psychoeducation, evidence-based methods, life skills, recreation and 12-step. Clients engage in daily individual and group therapy rooted in CBT, and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to resolve client’s ambivalence. Psychoeducation courses focus on addiction, processing, coping strategies, communication and life skills. In addition, residents must attend at least one 12-step meeting a week as well as an in-house meeting.

Wayside employs therapists, counselors and case managers. Without a physician on staff, the facility cannot provide medication management or medical services. However, clients are allowed to bring medication to treatment.

Extras

Residents enjoy recreational activities like a game night and watching movies. In addition, Wayside provides all residents with a free membership to the neighborhood YMCA.

Wayside understands the importance of continued support to the success of a sustainable recovery. To this end, the facility offers two years of aftercare for anyone that has completed the residential program. Clients participate in weekly support meetings held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

In Summary

Wayside House of Hamilton provides affordable residential treatment and continued care programming for men struggling with addiction. A credit to the community, the organization seeks to not only treat clients but to empower and prepare them for a better future. Wayside House of Hamilton is a great option for men in need of stability, treatment and continued support.