A new recovery program for those with addictions is opening its doors on Feb. 1.

Harvest House Atlantic is putting the finishing touches on its new Women’s Recovery House, a program that provides addiction services with a “holistic approach.”

The house can host up to eight people, who will share a communal living space and engage in a 12-step program as well as activities to promote good physical health.

Harvest House’s Manager of Women’s Recovery, Shelly McCready, says that treating addiction requires more than abstaining from substances.

Shelly McCready (SM): Recovery from addiction is not just merely stopping drugs, we know that it’s a healing of the whole person. So we’re interested in things like physical exercise. We’re interested in good nutrition and that sort of thing. Our default for physical exercise would be… we’re going to be going out hiking around and doing things that will really help in the recovery process.

Harvest House Atlantic is a faith based organization, and McCready insists that all denominations are welcome to the program.

The house is “open to all peoples,” including queer and trans people.

With the pandemic and concurrent overdose crisis, harm reduction services of all kinds are crucial to keeping substance users alive and well.

SM: We know that addiction is something that probably affects most every family. Unfortunately, there’s someone in our family or close circle of friends that’s been affected by addiction. There’s been a lot [of services] for men, not so much for women. And so it’s a real need. I will say that we’re really interested, in the end result to have family reunification. So many women have been separated from their children because of addiction. We just want to see women healthy and well, have the family back to wholeness.

McCready says the Women’s Recovery House is open to all people in the area, including Sackville, and it will be ready on Feb. 1.

The house has the capability of housing eight people, and the program runs for a total of nine months.

Those curious about the program can call Harvest House Atlantic at 506-855-0626 for more information.