Holmes House Withdrawal Management - Simcoe, Ontario

Jude M.

Holmes House presents itself as a modestly-sized residential detox and rehab facility nestled in a quiet area of Simcoe, Ontario. At first glance, the building itself feels like it could offer a more personalized and supportive environment — it has the structure and space of a large home, which initially creates the impression of intimacy and care. Unfortunately, that impression doesn’t hold up under closer scrutiny.

Despite the house’s size, the male detox area crams five beds into one room, leading to a distinct lack of privacy and personal space. The upstairs is reserved for the inpatient rehabilitation program, which means the detox space is confined, and stripped of any sense of therapeutic retreat.

The staff have a designated room to themselves, where they tend to disappear for long stretches of time, seemingly disengaged from what’s happening with the clients. There’s a pervasive sense of indifference from many staff members — a kind of checked-out professionalism that borders on neglect. It’s hard to feel cared for when those around you are physically present but emotionally and attentively absent, even as you knock on their windows.

As for the daily structure, the environment borders on sterile and monotonous with unfavourable lighting. Clients are allowed access to their phones only between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and aside from that, there’s very little to do. The “recreational” offerings are limited to watching TV in the living room or sitting quietly in the dim, somewhat lifeless basement kitchen (hopefully you brought crafts). There are no structured activities, no group sessions (on weekends), and minimal therapeutic engagement, which can exacerbate feelings of boredom, restlessness, or isolation — not exactly ideal for someone trying to stabilize from a substance-induced spiral.

Meals are another minimalist effort. Staff only prepare dinner, and there’s no indication of nutritional planning or dietary consideration — just basic sustenance, nothing more.

Holmes House isn’t the worst facility out there, but it falls disappointingly short of what a detox and early recovery space should provide: safety, structure, human connection, and a basic sense that someone cares whether you get better. Instead, it feels like a holding pen, a place to exist in limbo until you’re sent elsewhere — or back into the world, underprepared and overlooked.

If you have other options, explore them. Holmes House might work in a pinch, but don’t expect transformative care here.

Chris M.

Anybody with a substance addiction needs recovery. Any addict who WANTS recovery, Holmes House, can literally be that life-saving change that is desired. Kind, compassionate and caring staff on hand 24/7/365. This facility not only has changed my life but it has literally saved my life. Thanks to Holmes House, I am truly grateful to be alive, clean and sober today. Thank you to the many staff here , who step-up each day to help those who want to help themselves.

Melissa C.

I have several friends who have successfully fought addiction. They have used Holmes House as a safe in patient place to help recovery.

Clarissa V.

Ignore the bad reviews folks, if you come here looking for real help and support you will get it!
There are some really great staff members here, who really do care! Absolutely wonderful place to begin your recovery journey. I actually miss this place, thankfully I don't need to go back, but if I did I would absolutely go here again. Its been quite a while since I was there but thank you again Holmes house! ❤

Also: those talking about prescriptions etc may not be aware that Holmes house will send patients to the nearby hospital if they ask or need it, and that is where the prescriptions come in. They are certainly not pushing people to turn to prescription meds. It is simply an available option, given the connection with the hospital.

Dylan S.

I’m grateful for the extraordinary experience with this detox and treatment facility! 😇

The staff here are kind and professional and due to the smaller number of clients at the house get to know you on a more personal level. I came all the way from London to come here and ended up staying in Simcoe because the recovery community here is inspiring and incredible! The beds are comfy, the food is awesome and the treatment program is extensive and superb!

Sincerely,
Dylan

A recovering addict

Alex S.

Don’t waste your time!! This place is a joke go somewhere you’re going succeed!!
The food is hospital food when they have it!
My son was there and got extremely sick
They don’t care that people in the same room are sick and getting other people sick. The staff doesn’t have protocols in place every staff has different rules They don’t care they just want the government funding!!!How can they call it a treatment centre
They have a very low success rate! Go somewhere that cares about you Succeeding!!

Alistair M.

I can't thank the staff enough at Holme's house. If you truly want to make a change in your life these guys are there for you!!

Thanks so much to All of you, I will make amends to my ways ( I'm sorry I messed up after all your support ).... 🙁

Shout out to : Ashi, Brent, Brit, Brie, Colleen, Jen, Justin, Kayla, Mark - Thank you guys

I'm determined to succeed ... see you Nov 28..or sooner Justin

Much love

Alistair

Donna H.

This is a place where healthy food is available for mind, body and spirit of you so choose. The staff are kind, caring and compassionate treating each as an individual not a set standard! If you REALLY are serious about getting better there is nowhere in southwestern Ontario even comparable!