Contact Us By:
Telephone: 905 546 3606
Fax: (905)546-3608
Email: adgs@city.hamilton.on.ca
Website: www.city.hamilton.on.ca/sphs
Contact the Intake Worker for information

Hours of operation: Mon-Fri: 9:00am - 4:30pm
Evening Hours: 8:00pm - 12:00am off site at the Wesley Street House Clinic

Referrals: Are mostly self referrals. However, physician referrals, with relevant patient information, are appreciated. 

Clientelle: The Alcohol & Drug Program provides service to men and women aged 22yrs +.  The Problem Gambling Program provides services to problem gamblers and family members of all ages.

Cost: All services are free, with the exception of a  $20 fee for the DrinkWise and Starting Points Program information packages.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.

Availability: The availability for certain programs may fluctuate from 9 to 12 weeks. However there are priority appointments for urgent cases. The Starting Points Program is offered monthly and may be an appropriate first intervention.

Services disponibles en francais.

Who we are: The mandate of this community based outpatient program is to improve the quality of care provided to people with alcohol, drug or gambling problems in the City of Hamilton. Goals include harm reduction, moderation and abstinence.

What we offer:

• A social worker is accessible by phone to provide intake, information and consultation services to the public and professionals.
• Assessments, referrals
• Treatment: In individual or group format, on a confidential and voluntary basis.

• DrinkWise: A brief educational program that can help you eliminate drinking problems by reducing your drinking or stopping altogether. This program includes a  one hour assessment, and four one hour private sessions or five 90 minute group sessions. DrinkWise is not for people who are severely alcohol dependent.

• New Choices: ADGS is a community partner in New Choices, a multidisciplinary program for women with substance abuse concerns who are pregnant or have children under the age of six.

• Age Wise: A program for older adults (55+), who are concerned about their alcohol, drug and/or prescription drug use and/or problem gambling and wish to make healthy lifestyle choices. Clients receive an individual assessment, and if appropriate, attend a 6 session educational/support group. Clients may continue to attend an on-going biweekly support group.

• Problem Gambling Program: All clients receive individual assessments and may be referred to community programs &/or ADGS groups.

  • Getting Started: An information session for significant others who are worried about someone's gambling.

  • S.O.S (Significant Other Support Group): For significant others who have attended the "Getting Started" session and want to attend an on-going group for support and education.

  • Bets Off: A weekly support group for Problem Gamblers who have chosen to abstain from all forms of gambling.

• Starting Points Program: Starting Points is an interactive-educational program consisting of 3 two-hour sessions. This program is offered in a group format and is designed to provide information that raises self-awareness around substance use. Starting Points is a great program for anyone, but particularly helpful for those who are undecided or just beginning to question whether their use is a concern.