Guthrie Therapeutic Community in Nanaimo.
A community of recovery.
A 4-month residential substance use treatment program at Nanaimo Correctional Centre for people in provincial custody who want to address addiction.
Recovery as a community.
At Guthrie, the community itself is the treatment. Using a peer-driven model, the program runs in four phases covering skill development, recovery management, and re-entry planningThe John Howard Society of Victoria operates Guthrie in partnership with BC Corrections. The program has been running since 2007, accepts people from provincial custody anywhere in BC, and supports residents transitioning back to community with housing, employment, and up to six months of follow-up after release.
The Program
Community program for people in BC provincial custody who want to address substance use.
Guthrie Therapeutic Community
4-month residential program.
Separate 48-bed community within NCC.
Peer accountability and support.
4-phase approach: orientation, treatment, re-entry, after-custody care.
Work, treatment, counselling, behavioural modelling.
Alumni network.
Location: Nanaimo Correctional Centre (3945 Biggs Road, Nanaimo).
Eligibility
Guthrie is open to:
Individuals serving a provincial custodial sentence of at least four months at any provincial correctional centre in BC.
Must meet behavioural standards.
Willing to undergo regular and random drug testing.
Pass an assessment by peers already in the program.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Guthrie Therapeutic Community in Nanaimo.
Four months.
Guthrie is a therapeutic community. Residents live separately from the general population, focus entirely on recovery, and hold each other accountable. The community structure itself is part of the treatment.
You receive support transitioning to the community, including help finding housing and work. Staff monitor your progress for up to six months after release. You can stay connected as an alumnus.
If you’re serving a provincial sentence and interested in the program, you can request to apply. You’ll need to meet behavioural standards and pass a peer assessment.
Yes. Guthrie is for people who want to address their substance use and are ready to commit to the program.