Introduction to Newgate 180
Navigating change is one of life’s most significant challenges, especially regarding personal transformation. Amid life’s major transitions, many women find themselves turning to substances as a way to cope. Yet, recovery demands profound transformation, replacing harmful coping strategies with healthy, sustainable ones. For women on the journey from addiction to sobriety, this process is shaped by courage, vulnerability, and a renewed sense of hope.
At Newgate 180, an addiction treatment centre in Ontario, women find the support they need to rebuild their lives in a safe and nurturing environment. Elemental Magazine Editors, Daisy and Kealyn, spoke with Lia Forma, Relapse Prevention and Ongoing Care Counsellor, on the newly expanded women’s program. This program is helping women navigate this profound transformation. With a background in social work, Lia has long supported individuals struggling with addiction, particularly those facing major life transitions, including housing instability, domestic violence, and crises during their youth. In her current role, she has been instrumental in redeveloping the women’s addiction program, working to create a more comprehensive and supportive path to recovery.
Creating Safe Spaces for Recovery
One of the most significant developments in Newgate 180’s program is creating a dedicated women-only space. With a dedicated women’s house, Lia has found that the program is better able to meet the needs of their clients. “Having a space without male presence allows our clients to be themselves without fear of judgment,” Lia says. “For some, it’s as simple as feeling comfortable enough to attend group sessions in pajamas. It’s a bubble within a bubble—an added layer of security and comfort.”
Beyond the physical space, the program has been restructured to address women’s needs. It follows a four-week rotation with themes such as self-esteem, family dynamics, relationships, and grief. “Smaller, gender-specific groups allow for deeper conversations and reduce the fear of judgement,” Lia explains. “The support in these settings feels different—it’s more personal, more connected.”
The Challenge of Seeking Help
For many women, admitting they need help and seeking treatment is an uphill battle. The weight of societal expectations makes it incredibly difficult to acknowledge when they struggle. “We’ve had clients who meticulously plan every detail of their family’s routine before entering treatment,” Lia says, “ensuring their absence doesn’t disrupt the household.” Deep feelings of guilt and judgment often accompany the idea of prioritizing their healing and well-being.
“The stigma surrounding addiction is significant for everyone, but it is especially harsh for women,” Lia explains. “We still live in a world where women are expected to do it all—build a career, raise a family, keep it together—and manage everything quietly.” Many women delay treatment due to caregiving responsibilities or fear of judgment from their family and community. Beyond stigma, shame, and fear of judgment, Lia notes that many women hesitate to seek treatment because they worry about serious repercussions, such as losing custody of their children or facing backlash from their community. She emphasizes that breaking down this stigma is the first step in recovery, but that requires creating a safe, supportive environment where women feel empowered to seek help.
The Journey Through Recovery
A typical day at Newgate 180 includes guided meditation, followed by psychoeducational group therapy and individual counselling sessions—all structured to provide emotional stability. The evenings include lighter programming, such as movie nights or wellness activities. Clients also participate in holistic activities such as yoga, acupuncture, and creative expression, reinforcing that recovery is more than just sobriety—it’s about rebuilding a sense of self.
Women in early recovery often experience a mix of relief and fear. “They’re finally in a safe space, feeling their emotions for the first time in years,” Lia says. “But then there’s the fear of returning home to the same pressures and responsibilities.” The program helps them with this transition by emphasizing relapse prevention, self-care strategies, and boundary-setting, ensuring women leave with the necessary tools to maintain their progress.
Beyond Treatment: A Plan For Sustaining Change
Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. At Newgate 180, ongoing care is provided for up to a year, offering guidance as women transition into their daily lives. “We don’t just send clients back into the world and hope for the best,” Lia explains. “We help them create a plan for success beyond treatment.”
The centre also runs a family program designed to educate loved ones about addiction and recovery, helping ease the transition back into home life. “Families often expect the ‘old version’ of their loved one to return,” Lia says. “But recovery changes people, and families need to learn how to support that change.”
Lessons for Navigating Change
While addiction recovery is a unique journey, Lia believes some lessons can resonate with anyone navigating a significant life transition. “Give yourself grace,” she advises. “Change is messy and uncomfortable, but it’s also necessary for growth.” Embracing the discomfort as part of the process allows individuals to move forward with greater self-awareness and resilience.
Lia emphasizes the importance of balance for students facing academic and personal transitions. “Learn to manage transitions early in life, and remember that school is just one part of your journey. Prioritize your well-being, use available resources, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” Whether in recovery, academics, or life, developing trust in yourself and your feelings can be a powerful tool for facing change and finding personal fulfillment.
Change is possible with the proper support; it leads to healing and transformation. At Newgate 180, women aren’t just overcoming addiction—they’re reclaiming their lives. Recovery is not a single event but a continuous journey that requires compassion, patience, and a strong support system. As Lia puts it, “Our goal is to help people find their ‘normal’ and ‘healthy’ looks. And sometimes, that means walking them through change until they’re ready to do it independently.”
About Lia Forma
Lia Forma, MSW, Relapse Prevention and Continuing Care Counsellor at Newgate 180.
Lia works closely with clients to provide comprehensive support to help them understand the root causes of their addiction and help them lead fulfilling lives in recovery. With a compassionate and client-centred approach, she provides a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their struggles and work towards positive change.
Lia has been part of the team that re-developed the Women’s program and participates in the ongoing evolution to ensure best practices for the program.
About Newgate 180 Addiction Rehab Centre:
Newgate 180 is a fully accredited centre of excellence, specializing in treating addictions for nearly 50 years. They use state-of-the-art techniques to treat the causes of addiction. Newgate 180 has helped more than 5,000 people from all walks of life.
As a private, not-for-profit organization, Newgate 180 provides a personalized, one-year program consisting of a 30-day residential component and 11 months of ongoing care and support. Newgate 180 is dedicated to restoring its clients’ dignity and hope for a better life, especially one free from their addiction.
Website: https://newgate180.com/
Contact us: Telephone: 613-706-0520 / Toll Free : 1-888-622-0682 / Text: 613-294-HELP (4357)
Visit us: 435 Main Street East, Merrickville, ON K0G 1N0
