A therapeutic community is a residential centre where a person with an addiction lives for a few months to receive treatment away from their usual surroundings, with a professional team and a daily programme of therapies and activities. Can Coll is the therapeutic community run by Fundación Salud y Comunidad (FSC), located 85 km from Barcelona in the Bages area (comarca); it should not be confused with Can Coll park in Collserola.
What is a therapeutic community?
It is one of the most intensive ways of treating an addiction. The underlying idea is that the group, living together and a stable routine are therapeutic tools in themselves. During the stay, the person is no longer exposed to the places, people and habits associated with substance use, and can focus on understanding what is happening to them and learning to live without the substance.
It is not a place of isolation or punishment. Residents take part in individual and group therapy, household chores, workshops and sports activities, and plan their return to everyday life with the team.
When is a therapeutic community recommended?
It is usually recommended when outpatient treatment has not been enough. Can Coll is aimed at:
- People dependent on alcohol, cocaine or both who have already tried outpatient treatment several times without managing to stay abstinent over time.
- People who do not have enough structure and support to follow outpatient treatment.
As well as alcohol and cocaine, the centre treats dependence on other associated substances, such as tranquillisers, cannabis, opioids or designer drugs.
An important warning: if there is dependence on alcohol or tranquillisers, they should not be stopped abruptly without medical supervision, because withdrawal can be dangerous. The prior assessment is also used to plan this step, which sometimes requires supervised detoxification.
Can Coll therapeutic community: what a stay is like
- Length: medium stay, of approximately six months.
- Places: 34 people, men and women.
- Open since: 1992.
- Team: psychiatrist, psychologists, social workers, educators and support workers.
- Facilities: double rooms with en-suite bathroom, dining room, several common rooms, gym, sports court, laundry and staff offices.
- Setting: rural and very pleasant, which makes it easier to step away from home for a while.
- Accreditation: social and healthcare centre accredited by the Generalitat de Catalunya (the Catalan government). It is a member of the association that brings together professional therapeutic communities and reintegration flats for people with drug dependence in Catalonia.
- Health registration: number H08562948 in the Generalitat’s register of healthcare centres.
The activity programme
The day is structured and combines therapeutic work with practical tasks:
- 2 group psychotherapy sessions a day, plus social skills and relapse prevention groups.
- Individual psychotherapy.
- Medical follow-up.
- Workshops and relaxation techniques.
- Occupational workshops in vegetable growing, gardening, DIY and maintenance, alongside household chores.
- Cultural and educational workshops in computing, debate, magazine-making and crafts.
- Leisure activities, individual and group, and sports activities.
Living together, looking after shared spaces and regaining healthy habits are as much a part of treatment as the therapy sessions.
After the therapeutic community
Discharge is not the end of the process. People usually continue with outpatient follow-up and, if they need it, move on to a transitional service, such as a reintegration flat, before living independently again. You can see the different services under treatment centres.
When to ask for help
If you have already tried several outpatient treatments and substance use keeps coming back, or if you feel you do not have the structure you need at home to stop, a therapeutic community may be an option. A professional assessment is needed before admission.
You can start with the free first appointment in Barcelona by calling +34 93 424 04 00. In a medical emergency, call 112, the European emergency number.
Frequently asked questions
What is a therapeutic community for addiction?
It is a residential centre where the person lives during their treatment, with a professional team and a daily programme of therapy, communal living and activities. It allows them to step away from the environment where they used and to work on the addiction in depth.
How long does treatment at Can Coll last?
Can Coll is a medium-stay centre, with stays of approximately six months. After discharge, it is advisable to keep up follow-up to consolidate progress.
Where is the Can Coll therapeutic community?
In the Bages area, in a rural setting 85 km from Barcelona. It has no connection with Can Coll park in the Collserola hills, with which it only shares its name.
Can both men and women be admitted?
Yes. Can Coll has room for 34 people, men and women, who live in double rooms with en-suite bathroom and share the activity programme.
How do you apply for admission?
The first step is a professional assessment to confirm that this is the right service. You can request one by calling 93 424 04 00 for a free first appointment in Barcelona, including if you are a family member.