Union Gospel Mission’s Men’s Recovery Program in Vancouver, BC is a residential addiction recovery setting for men and transgender men (19+) whose alcohol or drug use, and the life disruption tied to it, has already begun affecting their work, relationships, housing stability, or emotional wellbeing. This is a live-in, structured residential environment where recovery work unfolds through daily engagement, community connection, and sustained support.
A Residential Start When Life Feels Unstable
Men typically enter this program after repeated efforts to change on their own haven’t held and the consequences are now showing up in the life they’re still living such as unstable routines, strained relationships, or loss of stability. Living on site at UGM provides a predictable daily rhythm and supportive community that removes immediate access to old triggers and allows participants to begin building steadier habits and personal insight.
Recovery Through Structure, Insight, and Support
The core of the program is a six-month, live-in residential phase guided by 12-Step principles and peer accountability. Participants engage in group work, one-on-one counselling, life-skills and psychoeducational classes (covering topics like self-assessment, anger management, and career preparation), and experiential activities such as wilderness expeditions and creative expression. These elements are designed to help men explore how patterns of use have affected their lives and begin building practical tools for long-term stability.
A Continuum That Includes Second-Stage Support
After completing the core recovery phase, graduates are encouraged to stay connected through second-stage recovery options at UGM that offer ongoing support, counselling, and opportunities to engage in employment and education pathways. This helps ensure the momentum built in residency continues as men transition back into daily life roles.
For Men Ready to Live Recovery Every Day
This program is often used by men who recognize that substance use has already disrupted what matters most, routines, responsibilities, relationships, and who need a sustained residential environment where recovery is lived through daily practice, community accountability, and structured support.
