EHN Guardians Addiction Program
Addiction treatment for military, veterans, and first responders in the heart of B.C.’s Kootenay Rockies.
TREATMENT FOR
Substance Use Disorder
AVAILABLE AT
EHN Guardians Rockies
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
8 weeks (with option for extended treatment)
The EHN Guardians Addiction Program is a specialized inpatient addiction treatment program created specifically for first responders, military personnel, and veterans.
Similar to EHN Canada’s Addiction and Mental Health Program, this specialized program has been clinically enhanced to reflect the psychological realities of individuals whose careers involve repeated exposure to potentially traumatizing events — even if no trauma diagnosis is present at the time of admission.
It also allows Guardians to live and have treatment in specialized, dedicated groups.
The EHN Guardians Addiction Program includes:
- Treatment Modalities: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, peer support groups, and Seeking Safety groups. Not all treatments will be used on all individuals and the approach will depend on individualized treatment plans
- Seeking Safety Group Therapy: A present-focused, evidence-based group that teaches practical skills for managing both substance use and the emotional effects of trauma. This approach fosters resilience without requiring clients to recount traumatic events.
- Psychoeducation and Skills Groups: Daily groups focused on emotional regulation, self-awareness, distress tolerance, relationship dynamics, and relapse prevention.
- Trauma Monitoring and Optional Treatment: While the program is specifically designed to address addiction, clinicians monitor closely for trauma symptoms that may emerge as a result of abstinence. When clinically indicated, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) may be introduced on a case-by-case basis.
- Somatic and Experiential Therapies: Including nature-based programming, movement groups, yoga, equine-supported facilitation, and expressive therapies such as art and music to support self-regulation and emotional release through non-verbal channels.
- Discharge and Transition Planning: From the outset, clients work with their care team to build a practical, person-centered aftercare plan. This supports long-term stability, workplace reintegration, and sustained recovery.
This program is available at:
Here’s what a day in treatment could look like:
Morning
You’ll begin your day with meditation and a reflective check-in to ground yourself. After a healthy breakfast, you’ll take part in Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, a core therapeutic session designed to build awareness and resilience.
Midday
Enjoy a nutritious lunch before diving into an engaging PsychoEd session on Emotional Agility, where you’ll develop tools to better understand and navigate emotional responses.
Evening
In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to connect movement and mindfulness with a Yoga or Walk session. Before dinner, you’ll also have time for Personal Time, ideal for journaling, creative work, or processing the day’s insights. Some groups are integrated with the wider recovery community, while others remain Guardian-only to preserve psychological safety and shared cultural understanding.
Continuing support for ongoing success
Support from EHN Guardians does not end once you step out the door. We believe that ongoing recovery requires ongoing care. That’s why one year of Aftercare, an important part of relapse prevention and monitoring, is included for all eligible alumni.
To further strengthen your commitment to continued recovery, we also offer access to our app-based support. This tool enables you to set personalized goals, track your progress, and stay mindful of potential triggers, ensuring you remain proactive in your recovery journey.
The Aftercare Program also aims at helping you identify risks of relapse and obtaining the guidance and recommendations you may need for early intervention if required.