In 1975, the dream was real! The Walter A. "Slim" Thorpe Recovery Centre opened in the nurses' residence of the local hospital, offering the much needed detoxification unit for chemically dependent individuals.

The building was named after "Slim" Thorpe, in tribute to his devoted work in helping those suffering from alcoholism. Within six years, the Centre expanded to become a full treatment centre. A 14-day recovery program and outpatient counselling was incorporated to round off addiction services in this area.

In February of 1988, "Slim" Thorpe Centre moved to its present location, a fully modern facility specifically designed for addiction services. The added service of a Youth and Adolescent outpatient office further enhanced the community resources surrounding addictions. The 14-day program was extended to 21 days and community education and prevention programs were initiated.

In February of 1994, Canada's first in-house gambling recovery program began, providing yet another service to Lloydminster.

In August of 1996, the province of Saskatchewan passed a law requiring certain driving offences to have an addictions screen prior to having drivers licenses reinstated. Our agency has a trained screener for this specialized service.

We are in our 30th year of service to the field of addictions and are looking at adding even more services. Always growing, ever changing, client focus remains as it has from day one . . .the heart of what we do.