You’ve made an important first step towards recovery and hope for the future—just by seeking information about how to change your life.

Addiction doesn’t happen to “bad” people. They happen to all kinds of people, from all walks of life, in every profession, in every town and city. It’s the disease of addiction that causes people to feel ashamed, hopeless and in despair, and can lead them to believe they’re “bad”. Nothing could be further from the truth! Everyone who suffers from addiction needs help, support, compassion and respect in order to begin to recover, and rediscover the good, healthy person that still exists inside.

Our Residential Program

Our residential program addresses fundamental addictions issues, but we go beyond simply treating the symptoms. We will tailor your program to meet your own specific, personal needs. Whether you need medical attention, psychological or psychiatric help, coping strategies for the outside world or a chance to develop spiritually, you’ll have access to experts, counsellors and peer support for every aspect of your life.

You might be worried that if you stop drinking or using, you’ll lose your friends and your social life. That’s another reason Newgate 180 builds a special “community of care” around each and every patient. You’ll find people just like you, who are taking steps towards a better life...people who really understand, and will be there for friendship, support and yes—even fun! Your personalised “community of care” supports you from the minute you ask us to help, and long after you’ve returned to your home and community.

Welcome Kit

We would like you to know that we appreciate how you may be feeling at this time. If you are anxious about coming to treatment, be assured it is a very common sentiment. Often the hardest part is making the decision to come to treatment. Soon after arriving, our clients begin to feel more comfortable and certain they have made the right decision. Knowing what to expect may alleviate some of your anxiety.

We are located on the banks of the Rideau River in the picturesque village of Merrickville, just thirty minutes south of Ottawa. Newgate 180 strives for a family-type setting rather than an institutional one, and we operate in a large, three-story manor home. The house is restored to its early turn-of-the-century charm and has been carefully maintained and upgraded. Two residential floors house our clients in private, home-like quarters. The main floor features large, well-appointed living and dining rooms and a professional-grade kitchen. A large group activity room, a well-equipped exercise room and laundry facilities are located downstairs and offices are situated in a separate wing. The home-like atmosphere of our facility is highly conducive to our clients’ efforts to develop a healthy, substance-free lifestyle.

As you may be aware, the program at Newgate 180 involves group sessions, individual counselling, and written assignments. Three times weekly, residents attend a community support group of their choice, such as AA or NA. Program activities begin at 9:00am and finish at approximately 8:00pm Monday to Friday. The initial day or two will be spent becoming oriented with the house and completing an assessment process; following that, you will begin to participate in group and private counselling activities.

We expect the first weekend to be spent in-house without visitors, in order to allow you to settle in and begin the process of self-examination that is so vital to your recovery. We will work with you around structuring your weekends, giving you time to complete assignments, settle in or explore the Merrickville area. Sunday is officially Visitors’ Day, and starting with your second weekend at Newgate 180, your family is welcome to spend the day with you.

Cell phones and pagers are not permitted. However, there is a phone available for your use during non-program hours, for local calls or for long distance calls made on a calling card. Bedding is provided, as are kitchen supplies and groceries. Most meals are prepared for you. You are responsible for bringing your own towel, clothing, and personal toiletries; this includes shampoo, dental-care items, brush/comb, etc. Laundry machines are located on the premises.

Depending on the season, some sporting equipment may be appropriate. We encourage healthy physical activity as part of the program.

Newgate 180 serves people from many different backgrounds. We promote an atmosphere in which all are welcome and differences are celebrated. It is the expectation that no one will engage in any behaviour that is derogatory or insulting to any group. Therefore, comments, jokes, or remarks that are racist, sexist, and homophobic or denigrate any individuals or groups are unacceptable. Newgate 180 is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is permitted outdoors only.

If you arrive under the influence, or we feel that you require medical detoxification, you will be referred to the nearest available detox centre.

Following is a checklist to give you some idea of what personal effects you should bring with you:

• Your Health Card
• Personal items: shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush, etc.
• Prescription medications, properly labeled and in the original containers
• Slippers and night attire
• Wash cloths / towels
• Pocket change / spending money
• Reading material
• Clock radio / alarm clock
• Address book
• Track pants, running shoes and gym wear
• Sports equipment
• Personal stereo
• Umbrella and seasonal outdoor clothing

Directions To Newgate 180

435 Main Street East
Merrickville, Ontario

Directions from Ottawa:

• Take 416 SOUTH for approx. 20-25 minutes.
• Exit 34 (Kemptville) and turn RIGHT onto 43 WEST.
• Follow road for approx. 15 minutes into Merrickville-Wolford. We are on the RIGHT, approx. 400m after the train bridge at the edge of town.

Directions from Toronto:

• Take 401 EAST
• Exit 705 (first exit past Brockville) for Maitland / Merrickville and head NORTH.
• After 36 km, turn RIGHT onto the 43 just before the bridge in Merrickville.
• Newgate 180 is approx. 1 km along, to the left.
  - OR -
• Take 401 EAST
• At Prescott, take 416 NORTH
• After 20-30 minutes, take Exit 34 (Kemptville) and turn LEFT onto 43.
• Follow road for approx. 15 minutes into Merrickville-Wolford. We are on the RIGHT, approx. 400m after the train bridge at the edge of town.

Directions from Montreal:

• Take 20 OUEST; becomes 401 WEST in Ontario.
• At Prescott, take 416 NORTH.
• After approx. 20 mins.: Exit 34 (Kemptville) and turn LEFT onto 43 WEST.
• Follow road for approx. 15 minutes into Merrickville-Wolford. We are on the RIGHT, approx. 400m after the train bridge at the edge of town.