Fresh Start Recovery Centre - Calgary

Simon House totally sucks a total dump of a place, lucky I escaped without changing a disease. Simon House says they take a holistic approach to the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction this is a LIE. There is no recreational facilities associated with Simon House, no where or way to healthily deal with stress through physical exertion. Healthy living through exercise and diet is not supported or encouraged. Attendance at a gym in the first 30 days of treatment is grounds for immediate expulsion. If you try to escape the SMOKE PIT by going for solitary walks consolers say you are isolating and in contempt of the Simon House program. The menu at Simon House primarily consists of fatty deep fried foods. When I checked into Simon House I was told I would like the Simon House food. I abhorred by it. Breakfast is toast or sugary cereals. Lunch consists of primarily deep fried or other fatty foods. Shredded lettuce with a couple of sliced tomatoes, carrots or cucumbers is disguised as salad. Supper is the same unhealthy food as lunch. The staff and the clients at Simon House for the most part display a pro tutting belly as the food is designed to fatted One of the suggestions I summited was in the form of a question. I questioned if threats and intimidation was what we are suppose to learn as being a healthy way to deal with conflict? If not so, why is that the “GO TO” employed by consolers and staff anytime there is any minor deviation from their direction. Threats and intimidation are hardly a way to gain the trust of clients. Simon House employs draconian methods to ensure client compliance. This does not work. Simon House claims that 33% of the clients that go through the Simon House program achieve long term sobriety with no relapse. This is a false claim with no facts to support. The cost for treatment is not justified at $110.00 per day. Simon House has only two movies in stock on addiction and recovery. I commented, when we were forced to watch the same movie for the second time in two weeks, that there are other movies on addiction and recovery. A consoler berated me and told me “Well now you get to watch it again! Simon House does not have the money to buy any movies and if you don’t like then you can go buy some and donated it to Simon House”. When I said I would, I was then told I had a poor attitude and if I don’t like it he would send me back to where I was a month ago! My response,”Where? My own house?” Again I was told by a consoler with the grand total of 4 years sobriety “I don’t like your attitude! I will deal with you later!”. Not one of the consolers has any formal training. All they can claim is that they have long term sobriety. Long term sobriety? Between the 3 of them they can claim 16 years sobriety with the greatest being 8 years. So at Simon House you have sick people with unjustified power over other sick peoples recovery. Consoling sessions are at best 15 minute sessions. As soon as you sit down with a consoler they look at their watch. They never once truly provided me with any honest one on one consoling. They actually even openly state that they do not provide consoling at Simon House and that you need to get together with other clients or your sponsor. So why go to Simon House when you can, on your own go to meetings, get a sponsor, read the Big Book and practice the program. Well I guess if you are homeless or there from Drug Court or it is a probationary order then Simon House becomes a viable entity for 3 meals and a cot paid for through Alberta Works. Simon House is a sham. The entire environment at Simon House is toxic! It was toxic stress that caused me to relapse. Go to Fresh Start!

Amazing program. The 12 steps are the backbone of the program, which I found very valuable. Additionally, there is extensive education on the physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual (ethical) effects of addiction as well as the changes that come with recovery, as well as extensive education on relapse prevention strategies. The staff is intensely passionate as well as being very experienced and well trained, and are very conspicuously invested in the success of every alcoholic and/or addict that comes into the house. The alumni are very active and involved, and every person in the building makes a point of making a new man feel welcome and at home. Wonderful program, and it saved my life! Thank you Fresh Start.

What a welcoming and warm energetic place to be. Visitors are required to sign in and out to promote safety and security. There is all kinds of amenities and fun things to do; like a full size gym and work out room, a stage and instruments on hand, a game room, and even a theater. The staff are wonderful caring people who are willing to do whatever it takes. The food is great and healthy, and served fresh from the kitchen daily. The facility is clean and modern. This is the right place to be to get back on track and feel healthier. 10/10

First class Charity, Winner of many awards both in addiction treatment and cost effective management. If you got a problem and you’re really serious about dealing with it there’s No better place to go. The waiting list at this a 50 bed facility is usually between 150 and 200 people but people are admitted in order of need and commitment to recovery not just where they are in the line. Check them out very inspiring and a great family healing program.

Fresh Start gave me a routine again in my life after more than a decade of my "routine" being centered on drinking. This place has warm, caring staff, from the smiling face of Connie at the front desk, to the kitchen staff who always welcome a helping hand. The counsellors and staff are all people who have had to deal with their own addictions, and because of this are very easy to relate to as people who have walked in our shoes. There is a strong emphasis on the 12 Steps, which gave me the freedom that I need to live without building up resentments. I've tried everything else to quit drinking over 15 years, and, when I was finally ready to do so, Fresh Start had what I needed to support me in my desire to finally stop for good. Thank you all from the bottom of myself and my family's hearts, Fresh Start!

Best treatment center ever! Amazing staff, amazing program. Saved my life. I love this place

I went to other shorter treatment centers and none could do what Fresh Start did, they got me sober and taught me how to stay sober. The counsellors, front staff and kitchen chefs are all dedicated to your recovery, and are always there if you need them, and also there just to say hi! Highly recommend it!

My family has been involved with AA and Fresh Start for many years and it had done wonderful things for my family and I. I cannot be more grateful that a program like this exists. Yes the wait times are painfully long to get help, but it is worth every second of patience. I have a long lasting love for the team at Fresh Start and will hopefully continue to stay connected. Hugs.