Speaker Name: Russell Purdy
Session Description:
Beccarian Correctional Care operates Therapeutic Living Units (TLUs) within Alberta correctional facilities to address the intersecting challenges of addiction, criminal behavior, and reintegration. Rooted in the principles of the Alberta Recovery Model, Beccarian’s approach uses a community-as-method therapeutic framework that emphasizes accountability, peer support, and the development of recovery capital.
This presentation will highlight the structure and impact of the Therapeutic Living Unit model; a structured residential treatment program embedded within correctional settings. The program serves individuals with complex substance use disorders who are at high risk of both criminal and return to substance use and related health crises. Through a phased treatment process, including orientation, primary treatment, re-entry preparation, and aftercare planning, participants engage in cognitive-behavioral programming, peer accountability groups, vocational skill development, and recovery planning.
The model focuses on building personal, social, and community recovery capital to support long-term recovery and successful reintegration into society. By integrating correctional services, behavioral health supports, and recovery coaching, the program creates a continuum of care that begins during incarceration and extends into the community.
This talk will explore the program’s structure, the population served, and emerging outcomes related to treatment engagement, recovery stability. The presentation will also highlight how correctional-based recovery programming can play a critical role in advancing Alberta’s recovery-oriented system of care.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to describe the Therapeutic Living Unit model, identify how it builds recovery capital within correctional settings, and explain its role in supporting addiction recovery, engagement, and successful community reintegration.
BIO
Russell Purdy is the Executive Director of both Beccarian Correctional Care and Bowline Health, where he leads transformative initiatives aimed at reshaping the role of correctional systems and community services in addiction recovery and rehabilitation.
A person in long-term recovery, Russell brings lived experience and deep insight to his work, shaping programs rooted in compassion, accountability, and the belief that change is possible. He is a CCAR-certified Recovery Coach / Facilitator and has held leadership roles across both public and private treatment systems, including second-stage housing and justice-based recovery initiatives throughout Western Canada.
Russell’s approach is grounded in the community-as-method model, emphasizing peer support, structured routines, and the development of recovery capital, the personal, social, and community resources essential for sustained recovery and reintegration.
In all aspects of his work, Russell strives to lead with humility and curiosity, believing these qualities are essential to both personal and professional growth.
Outside of his professional roles, Russell is most proud of being a husband and father to twin boys. His family is his anchor and inspiration, the reason he remains committed to building a life rooted in connection, integrity, and purpose. Whether at home or in the community, Russell approaches each day with the same intention: to show up with love, presence, and purpose.