Holmes House

At Holmes House, our Withdrawal Management Services provide a safe, supportive space for individuals ready to begin their recovery journey. We help those struggling with substance withdrawal who may not have the resources or support to do so on their own. This service is open to individuals aged 16 and older who voluntarily agree to participate.

What we offer:

Our team includes Addiction Care Workers, counselors, and addiction providers who work together to create a care plan tailored to your needs. Here’s what you can expect:

- Personalized Assessments: A multidisciplinary team evaluates your symptoms and treatment needs.
- Medication Support: Addiction providers can prescribe medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and address mental health concerns.
- Continuous Monitoring: Addiction Care Workers provide 24/7 symptom monitoring and supportive counseling throughout your stay.
- Relapse Prevention: Learn skills and strategies to manage potential triggers and maintain long-term recovery.
- Discharge Planning: We’ll coordinate follow-up care with your primary care provider, a local RAAM (Rapid Access Addiction Medicine) clinic, or other community resources to ensure a smooth transition.

Most clients stay between 5 to 7 days, based on provincial guidelines and individual needs.

Understanding Withdrawal:

Withdrawal happens when you stop using alcohol or other substances, which can lead to physical and emotional symptoms. These vary depending on the type of substance, how much was used, and for how long.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol affects the nervous system by slowing it down. Long-term, heavy drinking causes the body to adapt by speeding up the nervous system. When alcohol use suddenly stops, the nervous system remains overactive, leading to withdrawal symptoms like:

- Tremors (shaking)
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Vomiting

In some cases, alcohol withdrawal can cause severe complications like seizures, irregular heart rhythms, or delirium tremens (DTs). Symptoms typically start 6 to 12 hours after the last drink and can last up to 7 days. Abruptly stopping alcohol without medical support can be dangerous, so it’s important to seek help.

Opioid Withdrawal

Opioids, whether prescribed or used recreationally, can lead to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Daily use causes the brain to adapt to the drug, and stopping suddenly can result in withdrawal symptoms such as:

- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chills
- Anxiety
- Seizures

Holmes House providers may recommend Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) to manage withdrawal safely and reduce the risk of relapse or overdose.

Stimulant Withdrawal:

Stimulant withdrawal can cause symptoms like:

- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Psychosis

Our team provides medications to ease severe symptoms and therapy to help manage challenging emotions and impulses. We focus on building coping skills for long-term success.

Cannabis Withdrawal:

Though often underestimated, cannabis withdrawal can lead to:

- Irritability
- Sleep difficulties
- Mood swings
- Cravings

We offer therapeutic tools to help you manage stress and cravings, alongside supportive care to increase emotional resilience.

Eligibility:

To participate in Withdrawal Management Services at Holmes House, clients must meet the following criteria:

- Age: 16 years or older.
- Voluntary Participation: Clients must self-refer and agree to engage in the program.
- Medical Stability: Individuals must be medically and psychiatrically stable to ensure their safety.
- Screening: Clients will be assessed to confirm that a withdrawal management setting is appropriate for their needs.

Take the first step:

Withdrawal can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Holmes House is here to provide compassionate care, expert guidance, and the tools you need to start your recovery journey. Seeking help is a courageous step, and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

Holmes House offers a bed-based residential treatment program for individuals ready to take the next step in their recovery journey. Our program is designed to provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment where you can focus on your well-being and long-term healing.

How to begin:

To explore residential treatment, start by reaching out to your local addiction counseling or case management agency, or visit ConnexOntario. Let them know you’re interested in residential treatment at Holmes House. They will:

1. Conduct an assessment to determine if Holmes House is the right fit for your needs.

2. Complete the required paperwork and submit it to Holmes House to add you to the waitlist.

Once we receive your paperwork, our Intake Coordinator will review your application and contact you. During this process, we’ll discuss eligibility, current wait times, and what to expect during your stay.

Eligibility Requirements:

To ensure our program is the best fit for your needs, we have a few requirements:

1. Physical and Mental Readiness

- You must be physically and mentally able to participate in a structured group setting.
- Activities include walking up to 2 km daily and engaging in group sessions, meetings, and activities of daily living.

2. Substance-Free Period

- You must be substance-free for at least 72 hours before your admission date. This includes avoiding alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, and other substances.
- To help you prepare, we recommend attending a withdrawal management program or visiting a RAAM clinic. For more information, visit RAAM Clinics or ConnexOntario.

3. Completed Assessments

- Please complete our Residential Intake Form and the ASSIST Screener before admission.

4. Medication Requirements

- If you are on Suboxone, Kadian, Sublocade, or Methadone, you must be on a stable dose for at least 72 hours before admission.
- Your addiction provider will need to fax your most recent prescription, the last witnessed dose, and a complete medication list from the past 90 days.

5. Medication Coordination

- Medications will be blister-packed by Hope Pharmacy in Simcoe to ensure safety during your stay.
- Please ensure your pharmacy faxes your 60-day medication history to Holmes House. If you don’t have medication coverage (e.g., OW, ODSP, IA, Trillium, private insurance), bring funds to cover any required medication.

What to Expect:

Our residential program takes a holistic approach, addressing your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. With the help of our multidisciplinary team, you’ll participate in activities designed to support your recovery, develop life skills, and build resilience.

Our onsite addiction provider will work collaboratively with your existing healthcare team to manage your medical treatment during your stay. At the end of your treatment, you will transition back to your outpatient provider for continued care.

Ready to Take the next step?

Recovery starts with a single step. If you’re ready to focus on your health and future, reach out to your local addiction agency or visit ConnexOntario today to begin the process. Holmes House is here to support you every step of the way.

The Addiction Supportive Housing (ASH) Program at Holmes House provides up to one year of intensive support for individuals transitioning from treatment to independent living. This program is built on the principles of belonging, responsibility, and accountability, helping residents create a stable foundation for long-term recovery.

Our goal is to empower residents by focusing on personal growth, life skills, and housing stability. Through biweekly group sessions, individualized support, and daily living skills training, we aim to help residents achieve their wellness and independence goals.

Community living at ASH:

Located in Simcoe, ASH operates as a community living program, offering residents private rooms while sharing common spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas.

We believe recovery is strengthened through peer connections and mentorship. Living in a shared space fosters a sense of community, encouraging residents to build meaningful relationships that support their journey to wellness.

Program supports:

The ASH Program offers a range of supports to help residents thrive, including:

- Intensive Case Management: Tailored support to address individual needs and goals.
- Preparation for Independent Living: Building self-reliance and readiness for independent life.
- Accountability: Encouraging personal responsibility in the recovery process.
- Individualized Recovery Plans: Customized plans created in collaboration with residents to ensure long-term success.
- Peer Support: A supportive network of peers offering encouragement and shared experiences.
- Life Skills Development: Practical training in personal organization, household management, budgeting, self-care, and other daily living skills essential for creating a stable and independent lifestyle.

Eligibility:

To participate in the ASH Program, residents must meet the following criteria:

- Completion of a Residential Treatment Program: Applicants should have recently completed a recognized residential treatment program.
- Commitment to Participation: Residents must attend scheduled group sessions, meetings, and one-on-one counseling.

How the ASH Program Supports Recovery:

Residents are encouraged to make the most of the resources and supports available through ASH. Daily living activities are a vital part of the program, helping participants establish healthy routines and strengthen essential life skills. Our team provides consistent guidance, resources, and encouragement to help residents thrive in their recovery journey.

Transition Planning and Aftercare:

As residents approach the end of the ASH Program or prepare to transition to independent living, they will have access to aftercare resources designed to support ongoing recovery and stability. Holmes House remains committed to each resident's success, offering a continued network of support to help them maintain their progress.

Take the next step:

The ASH Program at Holmes House is a compassionate and empowering environment for individuals ready to build a brighter, more stable future. Reach out today to learn how ASH can support you on your journey to independence and wellness.

At Holmes House, we are committed to supporting individuals beyond residential treatment. Our Aftercare Program is open to graduates of any Ontario residential treatment program (18 days or longer). This program provides the tools, encouragement, and connection needed to stay active and engaged in your wellness journey.

What the Aftercare Program offers:

The Aftercare Program combines peer support and educational resources in a safe, supportive group setting. Facilitated by a Holmes House counselor, the program is designed to help participants:

- Share progress and celebrate milestones.
- Address challenges and explore strategies to overcome them.
- Discuss topics that support long-term recovery and well-being.
- Participants are welcomed through a brief orientation session, where group guidelines and the importance of confidentiality are discussed to ensure a safe and respectful environment.

Flexible Participation options:

Aftercare sessions are held every Wednesday evening. To make the program accessible to everyone, we offer a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend in person or join virtually, based on their preference and needs.

Holmes House invites community members to join our Community Recovery Sessions—a welcoming space for anyone seeking support to make positive lifestyle changes and enhance their well-being.

These sessions focus on building essential skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and heal from trauma symptoms. Whether you're beginning your recovery journey or looking to deepen your understanding of wellness, our sessions offer tools, guidance, and peer support to help you grow and thrive.

What to expect:

Our Community Recovery Sessions provide a supportive environment where participants can:

- Develop valuable coping strategies.
- Explore the factors affecting their well-being.
- Engage in open discussions about challenges and personal growth.
- Strengthen emotional resilience with the help of peers and facilitators.

Each session is designed to promote self-awareness and personal insight, making them ideal for individuals at any stage of their wellness journey.

Session Schedule:

- Tuesdays: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursdays: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

How to Join:

Before attending, participants will meet briefly with a facilitator for an orientation. This session ensures a comfortable fit and reviews group guidelines, including the importance of confidentiality to maintain a safe and respectful space.

To fully benefit from the program, participants are encouraged to attend sessions substance-free.

Take the next step:

For more information or to self-refer, please contact Holmes House at 519-428-1911.

Holmes House offers a Virtual Family Support Group to help families better understand substance use and support their loved ones through recovery. This group provides a safe, compassionate space for families to connect, learn, and share experiences, fostering empathy and reducing the stigma often associated with addiction.

What the Group Offers:

The Virtual Family Support Group focuses on equipping families with the tools and knowledge to navigate the challenges of supporting a loved one struggling with substance use. Participants will learn:

- Educational Insights: Understand how addiction impacts the brain, the recovery process, and the challenges your loved one may face.
- Effective Communication: Develop strategies to communicate with empathy and clarity.
- Emotional & Practical Support: Learn ways to offer support while maintaining healthy boundaries for your own well-being.
- Relapse Awareness: Recognize the signs of relapse and understand coping mechanisms.

These sessions are designed to help families become a vital part of their loved one’s recovery journey while ensuring they care for their own mental and emotional health.