Who We Are
Since 1992, AARC has been helping youth and young adults aged 12-21 who struggle with alcohol or drug use. We know there is a way out of the pain and suffering of addiction because we've lived through it. Our compassionate, specialized team —encompassing a blend of clinical professionals and youth-focused peer support—works together to provide a holistic, wrap-around approach to recovery. By sharing their own relatable journeys, our dedicated and courageous peer support staff provide a safe space to help rebuild a foundation for your child and empower their future.
About AARC
Since its founding, AARC has provided individual and family-centric care for youth and young adults struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. This unique program is designed specifically for youth and young adults.
A Brief History
Prior to the 1990s, Canadian youth struggling with substance abuse and addiction had limited access to long-term treatment options. In 1990, the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) was established in Calgary to offer treatment and officially began admitting youth in 1992. AARC was established as a non-profit organization with funding from the Government of Alberta and a donation from the Rotary Club of Calgary.
-
Dr. Dean Vause is the Executive Director of the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (“AARC”), a long-term, intensive treatment program for severely addicted youth and their families. AARC is the culmination of Dr. Vause’s over 35 years of research into adolescent addiction. Dr. Vause started his career in high schools where he taught, counselled, and developed programs to help youth in the education system. His master’s dissertation, “A School Drug Program”, was developed to address the drug issue in the education system. Dr. Vause’s Ph.D. Program (“Adolescent Substance Use Disorders”) focused on a model and facility for treating addicted youth and their families.
Dr. Vause’s legacy has been AARC’s success in saving youth from the ravages of addiction. Outside research has confirmed that many of AARC’s graduates are sober and are living meaningful and productive lives.
Dr. Vause is the recipient of the Rotary International “Paul Harris Fellowship”, the highest honour in Rotary International. Other awards include Calgary Citizen of the Year award (2004) and the Alberta Centennial Medal. In 2015, Dr. Vause was recognized as a keynote speaker in the Magnificent Men Leadership Lunch Series. In 2017, Dr. Vause and his staff at AARC were recipients of the prestigious Calgary Police Chief’s Award for Exceptional Recognition for Community Service. In 2022, Dr. Vause was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta) and in 2025, he was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to successfully treat adolescents and their families suffering from the disease of alcoholism and/or drug addiction, through a cost-effective, research-based, clinically validated treatment model, and to provide current, relevant information and perspectives on adolescent chemical dependency to as many individuals and institutions as possible throughout our community.
Our Vision
AARC strives to remain a recognized leader in the intervention and recovery of adolescents in the progressive and potentially terminal disease of chemical dependency.
Our provision of a holistic, integrated and highly skilled treatment program, based on AA’s 12 Steps, allows youth, their families and community members to draw on AARC's knowledge and commitment to conquering the disease of addiction. The provision of an emotionally, physically, spiritually, and culturally safe environment in which to heal ensures the dignity and rights of youth while promoting recovery from the terminal pathology of addictions.
What Makes AARC Unique?
Watch this insightful interview with Dr. Amelia Arria from the University of Maryland School of Public Health, Center on Young Adult Health and Development and discover why the AARC model works.
Research-Based Treatment Program
-
Effective Approaches to Adolescent Addiction: Evaluation of the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) Findings and Implications for Clinicians, Researchers, and Policymakers
In 2015, AARC was awarded a $300,000 grant to fund independent research on the efficacy of their program. Independent researchers conducted retrospective interviews with a sample of program participants. They assessed the impact of the AARC program on standard measures of drug abstinence, psychosocial and academic functioning, and overall health. The Principal Investigator on the evaluation was Dr. Amelia M. Arria, Ph.D, University of Maryland and the Co-Principal Investigator was Dr. Ken C. Winters, Ph.D., University of Minnesota.
The research emphasized the importance of offering thorough care that addresses the needs of both individuals and their families. It also highlighted the necessity of recognizing the distinctive developmental requirements of adolescents and the significance of understanding the social context and other environmental factors that can affect the success of the program.
Research Highlights
of clients who entered treatment at AARC completed the program
of AARC graduates reported remaining abstinent from drugs & alcohol 12 months after graduation
of AARC graduates reported remaining abstinent from drugs & alcohol 24 months after graduation
Make a call to get started.
We understand and are here to listen with empathy, care, and compassion.
Board of Directors
Our board is dedicated to fulfilling AARC's mission of providing affordable, evidence-based and compassionate treatment for young individuals struggling with addiction.
Our board members provide valuable and diverse external perspectives that foster discussion and discipline in major organizational and operational decisions.
Board Members
J. Robert (Bob) Nelson
Michael Sigalet
Dr. Elizabeth Wallace
David Imbach
Allan Stordy
Ben Hudy
Eric Johnson
Sherie Toner
Tyler Shandro
Community Partnerships
Working together to fight addiction.
AARC works with many community organizations, helping with adolescent addiction problems across Alberta.
License & Accreditation
Empathetic and compassionate care, along with accreditation and independent governance, ensures continuous improvement, transparency and accountability for our clients and their families in treatment.
AARC is licensed as a Residential Addiction Treatment Service Provider under the Mental Health Services Protection Act in the Province of Alberta.
Additionally, AARC is accredited by the Canadian Accreditation Council of Human Services for its Recovery Homes, Day Treatment, Community Services and Governance and Management. Accreditation Council. Accreditation is valid until February 2027.
The Canadian Accreditation Council is a non-profit organization accredited by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare, the leading international healthcare evaluation program.
Change a life with your donation
At AARC, every donation has the power to transform lives. We support young people and their families during their toughest times. Your contribution is a gift of hope for those who need us the most.
