The Sahara Addictions Program at PCHS strives to empower clients and their families through a guided journey to recover from substance use behaviors and related concerns by using a holistic treatment approach in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
Program Goals and Objectives:
To provide holistic care and support to clients who identify with having a substance use problem or addiction
To reduce hospitalization-visits/admissions
To provide culturally competent psychoeducation to addiction clients and their families
To provide linkages to clinical care and community resources
To tailor the care, plan to suit each client’s individual needs and preferences
Incorporate home visits and group sessions as required in care plan
Eligibility Criteria:
16 years or older
Resides in Greater GTA
Using/abusing a substance (alcohol, drugs etc.)
Have alcohol/drug addiction
Family members/significant others of individuals with substance use issues
Have a process dependency (legal mandates etc.)?
Have been mandated as a requirement of the court or probation
Addictions Program Components:
Case Management Program
Sahara Opioid Addiction Prevention Program (SOAPP)
Sahara Opioid Harm Reduction (SOHR) Program
Intensive Addiction Day Treatment Program (IADTP)
Sahara Bridging Addiction Counselling (BAC) Program
Sahara In-Short Term Emergency Diversion (In-STED) Program
Community Withdrawal Management Services (CWMS) Program
Rapid Response Saving Lives (RRSL) Program
Peer Support
Case Management
Provides individualized assessment and planning, service co-ordination, supportive counselling and appropriate referrals.
Sahara Opioid Addiction Prevention Program:
SOAPP provides services to individuals with opioids addiction and improves the responsiveness of the health care system to substance abuse. Program is a partnership between WOHS, CMHA Peel, PAARC, FTP, Jean Tweed and PCHS. A client receives brief intervention, lifestyle and supportive interventions to develop skills to manage addiction/substance abuse and other related problems.
Sahara Opioid Harm Reduction Program:
SOHR provide brief intervention, lifestyle and personal counselling to assist clients to develop skills and manage opioids addiction/substance abuse and related problems, and/or maintain and enhance care plan. This is a mobile position, services will be provided in office setting and within the community as per service recipients’ needs.
Sahara Bridging Addiction Counselling Program (BAC):
A short term counseling program to support individuals on residential treatment programs waitlist residing in the GTA. The Bridging Addiction Counseling program also supports individuals discharged from the Withdrawal Management Center (Residential or community) and Health Link referrals.
Sahara In-Short Term Emergency Diversion Program (In-STED):
The In-STED Program is a partnership between SHIP, CMHA Peel and Punjabi Community Health Services that offers short-term, community based mental health and addiction services to the most vulnerable individuals. The program is designed to reduce the need for multiple visits to emergency departments.
Community Withdrawal Management Service (CWMS):
Provides a supportive environment to clients with voluntary alcohol or other drug withdrawal. This includes a structured day time and telephone WM services. Monitor withdrawal symptoms, provide support, reassurance, coping methods, motivational counselling, and appropriate referrals.
Intensive Addiction Day Treatment Program (IADTP):
The IADTP helps reduce non-emergency ED visits and/or hospitalization, allow for faster discharge when visits are necessary, and reduce recidivism, as the hospital will be able to refer directly into the program. It allows for seamless navigation, access, and transition to the appropriate level of care.
Peer support services:
Clients are connected to the peers at any level of care/recovery from substance use/addiction, as needed. Peer support workers support client’s personal recovery goals or building on resiliency by sharing success stories, shared personal life experiences, serving as role models or helping the individual reach their personal goals. Peer Support Services are provided at locations that meet the needs of the persons served and that is most convenient.
Addictions Group Programs:
Sahara Addictions Day Program (SADP): This program runs Monday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. in three weeks’ cycle. Topics include alcohol related issues (Legal & health related). -In Person
Sahara Men’s Group Program (SMG): The group addresses “substance abuse” and “violence behaviour” issues simultaneously. Every Saturday 9:30- 12-30 pm. The group located at 135 McLaughlin Rd South Brampton. -Virtual
Sahara Relapse Prevention Group Program: Men are encouraged to freely share their problems with the facilitator and men are also supported by providing a “buddy” who assists them through their difficult time of quitting substance. Conducted every Friday 6pm- 8pm at Unit 245, 2980 Drew Road (Malton Office). -In Person
Sahara BAC and CWMS Group Program: Conducted every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 10 am to 12 pm at Unit 241, 2980 Drew Road, Mississauga. Clients are provided psychoeducation on addiction, mental health and life skills. – Virtual
Sahara Opioid’s Prevention Support Group: This 12-week support group program runs every Saturday 2pm – 4pm at Unit 241, 2980 Drew Road, Mississauga. The group covers information on addictions, recovery, craving management, relapse prevention, coping strategies, legal issues, substitute therapies and behavioural change. -Virtual
Sahara Opioid Harm Reduction Program: This 12-week programs runs every Friday from 10 am to 12 pm with a goal to reduce harms while using substances at Unit 241, 2980 Drew Road, Mississauga. -Virtual
Our services are provided at NO COST to the participants.Our primary funders are:
Central Ontario Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care
PCHS is committed to provide clients with services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disability. We are also committed to giving people with disabilities the same opportunity to access our services and allowing them to benefit from the same services, in a similar way as our other clients.
If you require accommodations please submit a Request for Reasonable Accommodation. Click here to download.