At Rising Sun Treatment Centre, we understand that addiction is a complex issue that affects not only the individual, but also their families and communities. Our harm reduction-based approach aims to provide individualized care for each person.

Our licensed mental health counselors are on-site, twice a week to support clients through a range of therapeutic interventions (one-on-one and group sessions), our in-house Addictions counselors include both the Seeking Safety program and Smart Recovery program in the daily sessions. Our program also includes Aftercare Services, with one-on-one meetings weekly to prepare for after graduation and navigating life after treatment – Monday nights we offer an in-house Wellbriety meeting (12 step program) to community and for our in-house clients, which is based in culture and ceremony. In Addition, we offer a land based program which invites client to slow down to the pace of nature, build some outdoor skills and learn to be one with mother nature. The land based portion of our program adapts with the four seasons here in New Brunswick.

We have a beautiful 10-bed facility that offers a warm and welcoming environment where clients can connect with others on a similar path towards healing.

We have a gym on site for physical wellness and access to computers and tablets for educational purposes. Our Elders and knowledge keepers offer spiritual guidance and cultural teachings to our clients. Crafting sessions provide a creative outlet for self-expression and healing.

Join us for our 6-week Program or 3-week Relapse Prevention Program (held twice annually) at the Rising Sun Treatment Centre, where we believe that every person has the right to heal and thrive.

Intake calendar listed on “Homepage” and “Apply” tab

Client Testimonials

PS

If you need help, reach out to the rising sun. I did and it saved my life.I learned to love myself again. And I learned a lot about myself along the way.

I’ve been to other treatment centers and none compare to the rising sun and all the love and compassion it and the people responsible for running it have to offer to the people in need who walk through their doors.

Don’t be scared to ask for help. Everyone needs it, some time or another

KB

On March 13th, 2023, I didn’t know my life would change forever, but it did. I walked through the door of the centre in Eel Ground, much of the items that I owned I had bought off of the canteen orders when I was in jail. Ryan, one of my favourite support workers, did my intake. I felt nervous about being around my culture again, but I pushed through it. I didn’t feel the same type of shame that I did before when I was around my culture, I knew I wanted this and I trusted that Rising Sun would take my thirst for what was missing, and quench it. I left my culture as a last resort, and I wish I hadn’t of ignored it for so long. It is important to recognise that this is the biggest problem with Indigenous people, we feel that our culture isn’t important, and it is.

Rising Sun has a program that is rich in cultural identity, well-seasoned staff and a phenomenal atmosphere that gave room for absolute growth. A large percentage of staff had an understanding of what addiction looked, and felt like. I felt a sense of being human, that we were all on the same level. There was no order of superiority within the centre, staff participated in activities like yoga, smudging, praying, sweat lodge and outings. It really felt like everyone had the same level of power, the absence of an authoritarian hierarchy really made for a calming and comfortable atmosphere, leaving all the mental space in the world for focusing on the self. Humility was a theme among staff, which in turn, made me feel a sense of not needing to “power struggle,” being someone who has PTSD in regard to the justice system, jails and police. I truly found my peace, my surrender, and I really gave myself to this program for the first time.

Rising Sun had finally quenched my thirst for what I was missing. It moved the piece of furniture that was hiding my missing puzzle piece. The staff and the deep, residual ambience of the centre took me in with gentle and open arms, cleansed my soul, and re birthed me as I danced out the doors into a new life. I regained family, I regained trust, but most of all, I regained my identity.

Keegan Brian Bernard-Worthen

Pictou Landing First Nation, NS

Kwe’ nin taluisi Keegan Brian Bernard-Worthen, I am from Pictou Landing First Nation and I am a recovered alcohol and drug user. Before I attended the Rising Sun Treatment Program I was a lost soul, I lacked the connection with the creator and myself. I would seek anything to fill that gap that was missing in my heart and soul, I’ve been up and down the road of addiction and even been to jail because of my mistakes and addiction. I just wanted life to end. I’ve been stabbed and jumped in the streets by people and hospitalized by loved ones, I was trying to cover up my childhood trauma that had me in anger and tears for years.

When Rising Sun called me with my acceptance letter I almost didn’t go and looking back on my decision… I’m so happy that I got the opportunity to go to Eel Ground First Nation. Sometimes in life you need to dig deep and push yourself out there. When I got to Rising Sun I was nervous but that all changed for me in a heartbeat the staff there was super accepting of who I was. Not once did I feel the lack of love or any judgment, They welcomed me in with open arms and all smiles.

We started our days with morning smudges and singed songs, we all had a chance to speak in the morning talking circles. We asked each other how we were feeling, some feeling anxious and some feeling very happy. Overtime you realized that you weren’t alone, we all have our ups and downs and not everyday is going to be sunshine and rainbows. We all have the power to pick each other up when you notice someone is feeling down. The staff was there for us full heartedly, our schedule was full of greatness and we were busy working on ourselves everyday.

They even had George Paul come in and teach us the way of the Mi’kmaq with Dancing, Drumming and Singing with talking circles. Very sacred and powerful days spent with the Rising Sun, we had therapy sessions every week that helped me heal and I continued with the same therapist when I left. They introduced the sweat lodge to us that had a very big impact on us, We prayed and sang our hearts out we even let go of our past and hard times that we kept bottled up inside. If I know anyone who is suffering with Mental Health and Addictions I strongly recommend the Rising Sun. We attended Narcotics Anonymous and AA meetings and they even took us to church on Sundays. They made us a aftercare plan as well and had all kinds of supports that they found for us in our areas. I want to thank the Rising Sun for all that they’ve done and wish them all the best and pray for the ones who still suffer with addiction and mental health. Tahoe!

MP

Before I came to Rising Sun, I was lost & miserable and really disappointed with myself for all the bad decisions that lead me into my deep addiction. I also had a a lot of deep-rooted trauma and grief in me. I already had been in and out of recovery throughout the years and had completed a couple of treatment centers, but none just seemed to stick.

I knew at this point in my life, it was time to actually start working on my trauma and grief and work on the root of my problems. Rising Sun felt different compared to other treatments I’ve been to. I truly felt safe, heard, and loved at Rising Sun. The staff had so much compassion and so much dedication. Their spirits have really lifted me up and inspired me to go further with my recovery than I ever have been.

I am now 20 months sober and clean from drugs, and I am so thankful and so grateful to say Rising Sun was my first stepping-stone to my recovery.

Darcy

Wellness Navigator; Gesgapegiag First Nation, QC

Before my time in the rising sun I was lost, I spent many years of my life carrying hurt and anger, I felt damaged. I remember days waking up not knowing how much longer I was going to be able to keep moving forward because of how heavy my world felt. I started drinking young, but from a young age I was doing it as a way to cope, not just having fun. When things at home got bad and I felt scared, I would drink. If my emotions felt too big to handle alone, I would drink.

I grew up surrounded by addicts, my family was broken due to substance abuse, but when you’re that young and don’t have anyone telling you right from wrong it’s easy to fall in love with something that makes everything seem easier. My drinking got worse throughout the years and when I was 18 I turned to harder substances. There were numerous moments in my life where I tried to get sober, but nothing seemed to stick.

Until I went to the rising sun. I remember getting the call that I could attend the 8 week program and the anxiety that I felt, as the days came closer for me to finally go I was so scared. I knew that getting sober had to mean forever and that thought terrified me. I never dealt with my emotions, my sadness always turned to anger and I didn’t know who I was without substances in my life.

I hold the rising sun so close to my heart and everyday I’m grateful that they’re a part of my story. The workers genuinely care so much, they don’t just see an addict, they see individuals carrying the weight of intergenerational trauma, guilt and shame, then they guide them through it. I used to feel like I didn’t matter, I hated living and I thought it was always going to be that way. They helped me realize that I am worthy, I am resilient and most importantly that my life matters. I built great connections, I connected back within my culture and gained tools that help me navigate through life in recovery.

I’m not sure where I’d be right now if it wasn’t for the amazing staff that helped me discover who I wanted to become beyond the pain. I am now 1 year and 7 months sober, being there helped me gain knowledge on the importance of helping others when you feel strong enough to do so. I went back to school for a course on Indigenous Wellness and Addiction Prevention, while going to school I started working at a treatment center in my community. The staff at Rising Sun helped me heal parts of myself that had been pushed away for so long. I no longer want to hide from my past and continue to numb myself, I can have hard days and know that things will be okay. I took all the hurt and chose not to forget about it, but build a life worth living with it. Now I get to be a part of others’ healing journey, which is something that helps me everyday. Welalin again to the rising sun treatment center who helped me find my purpose, they are the greatest people I’ve ever met!

Ryan

St Marys First Nation, NB

I’ve been in and out of jail since I was 18 years old. Stuck in addiction my whole life. I had to make a choice to save my life and I chose recovery.

I wanted to live my life sober. My wellness journey began when I arrived at Rising Sun. The staff and clients taught me about my culture and traditions.

Ceremony saved my life. I now regularly attend sweat lodge ceremonies and smudge everyday. It’s very important for me and my recovery.

I now have been drug and alcohol free for nearly 3 years now and Rising Sun gave me the tools to do so.

I highly recommend anyone that wants treatment and wants to change their life to attend the Rising Sun Treatment Center.

My life has changed so much since then and I now help others in my community that are struggling with addiction.

Allie

Muskrat Dam First Nation, ON

I was at my last resort and had tried different programs before in Northern Ontario. Then after looking at different centres and programs across Canada, I was drawn to Rising Sun. If I hadn’t made the decision to attend their in house program, I don’t know where I would be today. There was hesitancy as I was still younger and I would be going across the country alone. But it felt as if there was a warm blanket being wrapped around me as I made my way to the centre from Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Through all the fear, I still felt hope. Rising Sun saved my life; with their amazing staff and programming, I was able to do the impossible — I was able to get my life back. Having my culture integrated in my support plan was a key part in my journey, and it’s what I was lacking before. Rising Sun not just saved my life, but it gave me trust, safety, and love. Since the program, I attended college for Indigenous Social Service Working and graduated with honours and I am now attending university to become a teacher. I am living a life I never thought was possible before Rising Sun. I have been sober ever since attending in 2023.

This was by far one of the best choices I have made in my life, and I pray for others that are still struggling to make this journey forward.

Xavier

I came to Rising Sun Treatment Center feeling lost and disconnected—from myself, my family, and my Mi’kmaq roots. I had tried to get sober before, but it never lasted because something important was missing. From the moment I arrived, I felt a different kind of care. There was respect for who I am and where I come from, not just my struggles with addiction.

What really helped me was how the program honored Mi ‘kmaq ways. Taking part in circles, spending time on the land, and reconnecting with our teachings gave me a sense of belonging I hadn’t felt in a long time. It wasn’t just about eliminating substances from my life—it was about healing my spirit, rebuilding my identity, and remembering the strength of my ancestors.

The staff supported me in a way that felt genuine and grounded. They listened, they guided, and they understood the importance of culture in my recovery. Through ceremony and community, I started to find balance again.

Today, I’m maintaining my sobriety and walking a better path. I feel stronger, more connected, and more hopeful about my future. Rising Sun didn’t just help me get sober—it helped me come back to who I am.