Get Your Life Back with These 5 Drug Rehab Centers in Calgary
Years back, I had a friend who fell into drug addiction. We were best buds as kids. But as we grew older, he ended up with some bad apples. This led him to pick up the worst vices and habits. But being the stubborn friend I am, I didn’t give up on him.
Soon, he stopped hanging out with those people, but he started isolating himself and ignoring my calls. I was even more worried. So I kept showing up, driving by his place every few days to check on him and push him toward getting expert assistance.
I’d bring over new ice cream flavours, updates on my guitar lessons, and stories about the senior dog I rescued—anything to remind him there’s hope. Eventually, he agreed to seek help. I reviewed several drug rehab centers in Calgary, and here are my top picks.
1. EHN Sandstone Recovery Centre

Address: 802 7 Ave NE
Contact Details: +1 866 650 6027, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
EHN Sandstone Recovery Centre is a drug rehab center in Calgary that offers evidence-based treatments for mental health and addictions.
We like that it supports many people with stressful careers. This includes the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members, first responders, healthcare providers, military and veterans, and corporate partners.
This center also aims to treat several illnesses like substance use; mood, anxiety, and depression; obsessive compulsiveness, and eating disorders.
But what I like most about this facility is the aftercare. Patients who complete the treatment program will be eligible to prevent relapse. For me, this is a great way to let the patients feel they’re not abandoned post-recovery.
This means weekly group therapy sessions, connection with local resources and support groups, virtual programs, an app for setting goals and tracking progress, and access to local alcohol and drug monitoring for better accountability.
However, one of the clients I talked to expressed his frustration about not getting a bed at the center. I think this organization still has room to improve how it communicates with those who want to be treated.
Changed My Life
“Sandstone changed my life!!! I was there for 49 days and those were the best days of my life. The food is the BEST every single meal. My councillor was the most knowledgeable honest helpful hardworking woman I have ever encountered. I don’t even have the words to describe how perfect Sandstone is. Every single person that works there cares so much for every single client. The medical staff are the most helpful caring and understanding bunch of people that ever existed. I do not have one complaint about my entire time there. I recommend Sandstone from the bottom of my heart. It has changed me for the better and I am forever grateful to everyone there.”
-Ms. Amanda Jones, Google Review
Genuinely Cared About Me
“I had a wonderful/respectful experience with all of the staff at Sandstone. They genuinely cared about my well-being and recovery. I would recommend this for anyone with substance abuse disorder.”
-Ms. Kimberly Kingsbury, Google Review
2. Fresh Start Recovery Centre

Address: 411 41 Ave NE
Contact Details: +1 403 387 6266, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Fresh Start Recovery Centre has been helping individuals and family members recover from addiction since 1992. Its mission is to help people through housing, specialized treatments, and ample support.
More specifically, I like that this drug addiction treatment center offers a 90-day intensive program to give patients a strong foundation for recovery.
This includes psychoeducational group sessions with a 12-step process under a counsellor. Moreover, I appreciate the physical and spiritual factors—there are daily meditations and fitness activities with healthy meals by the on-site chefs and staff.
On top of that, I love that there’s a comprehensive graph on its website. It’s a comparison of former patients’ experiences during active addiction and recovery. I think this gives people a clear picture of what their lives could be like when they stay here.
Should you want to reach the staff, the organization offers a confidential form where you can get an answer within a day. But if you want a quicker response, I’m glad the phones are staffed 24/7.
Nevertheless, a past client had to wait a month and a half to get accommodated. In my book, it’s smart to have alternatives just in case.
Forever Thankful
“I cannot explain the amount of gratitude we have for this place. If you are willing to put in the work, you will leave this facility a new person. You will return into the world with a second chance to be everything you’ve ever wanted. Forever thankful for Stacey, Bruce, Kate, Jennifer, Lisa,…… and so many other amazing people who make FS everything that it is. Thank you for everything you have done for us.”
-Ms. Kimberly McKenzie, Google Review
Saved My Life
“Best treatment center ever! Amazing staff, amazing program. Saved my life. I love this place”
-Mr. Clayton Anderson, Google Review
3. Aventa Centre of Excellence

Address: 610 25 Ave SW
Contact Details: +1 403 245 9050, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Aventa Centre of Excellence provides trauma-informed, gender-specific, live-in addiction treatment services for women. I also appreciate that this clinic can address co-occurring issues with those who need an extra hand.
The fact that this organization uses research-based treatment programs shows its credibility, in my opinion. The curriculum is written by Dr. Stephanie Covington, a nationally recognized clinician, to meet women’s unique needs.
Here, the patients learn to abstain from their addictions or addictive behaviours. I find it incredible that even pregnant women are admitted without delay. This helps reduce risks, especially with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
On top of that, the clinic uses a holistic approach to treating women using a biological, psychological, social and spiritual model. I believe the stimulating activities and good food help everyone recover in the best way possible.
Aventa is also accredited with exemplary standing with Accreditation Canada. It received The Lieutenant Governor’s Circle on Mental Health and Addiction – True Awards – True Service in 2016, which makes me feel confident with its expertise.
Of course, not every experience is perfect. A few former patients shared with me that they had disagreements with others during their stay. Some thought the rules were too strict, or that cliques were formed among other women.
Changed My Life
“I’m glad I found this place of treatment for women’s, there’s nothing I can say bad about this place. I’m glad I had the opportunity to change my Life around no matter how much time’s you go to aventa there’s no judgement. And the staff are great and the food is amazing delicious”
-Ms. Beautiful Josie Manningway, Google Review
Incredible
“An incredible program that helps those that are ready to work towards a better future. Aventa provides support to those struggling to come back from hitting rock bottom, which is essential, as few can do it on their own. The staff ask the necessary questions and provide the emotional support during the initial stages of recovery and reemergence from depths of despair and feelings of hopelessness.”
-Mr. Graham Longhurst, Google Review
4. Sunrise Healing Lodge Society

Address: 1231 34 Ave NE
Contact Details: +1 403 261 7921, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Sunrise Healing Lodge Society has been a drug rehab center since 1974. It’s known for its 12-step recovery program for all walks of life, through indigenous cultural practices to help patients connect with their spirituality.
We believe in this organization’s credibility because it’s licensed by the Alberta government as an inpatient drug, alcohol, and gambling treatment center. It’s a registered charity too!
I think the programs here are comprehensive. Its abstinence-based approach includes sharing circles, meeting with Indigenous Elders, educational teachings on resume writing, continued inclusion through the alumni group, and guest presentations.
Also, there are weekly mindfulness and meditation groups for inpatients and a low-barrier program (or with minimal requirements) for outpatients. This is why I feel everyone can have a place here.
If you want to rebuild your family relationship, family counselling is also provided. This involves healthy and fun activities that educate about the consequences of vice and empower everyone to make positive choices.
Nonetheless, a few potential clients told me about not hearing back from the staff. I reckon the treatment center could still work on being more responsive.
Highly Recommended
“Great place for recovery. Recommend if you are seeking a spiritual aspect and 12 step based treatment.”
-Mr. Bird Quinn, Google Review
Found Peace and Healing
“I found peace and healing here. The staff were kind, knowledgeable, patient and friendly. The food was excellent. Sunrise has a healing quality I felt as soon as I walked in. Thank you sunrise.”
-Mr. Marshall Priddle, Google Review
5. Recovery Acres Calgary Society (RACS)

Address: 1835 27 Ave SW
Contact Details: +1 403 245 1196, [email protected]
Recovery Acres Calgary Society (RACS) offers gender-specific, provincially funded addiction treatments. This includes residential treatment and recovery, as well as outpatient programs in its men’s and women’s centers.
We think the programs here are well thought out. For instance, the residential treatments are divided into 2 phases before being qualified for recovery.
The first phase lasts 42 days to ensure total immersion. For the second one, the client will be required to return to work or find a new one. For us, this is helpful for active recovery and making the patients’ lives better on their own.
Other than that, there’s an outpatient day program for a minimum of 3 weeks. This includes a 12-step model of recovery with counselling and peer support.
We also feel the admission process is quite simple. Interested participants may call, e-mail, or contact the staff through the website. Plus, the screening is quick to lessen the obstacles to getting treatment.
Still, one patient talked to me about the misunderstanding he had with the staff about his medications. For sensitive issues like this, I recommend seeking a second opinion or certification to clarify your prescription and its intended purpose.
Super Thankful
“I went through the program almost 7 years ago I have maintained recovery throughout those years. Without 1835 I would not be where I am today, I have two daughters I’m married and have the fulfilling life that I always wanted. Today I can walk freely and it’s all because of the staff at 1835! Thank you for all that you guys do.”
-Mrs. Taylor Yantz-Wells, Google Review
This Place Saved Me
“This place saved my life. I wouldn’t be around today if I hadn’t received the care and attention.”
-Ms. Sharon Valmont, Google Review