"When I first arrived at Alpha House, I didn't know what to expect. Like many in early recovery, I was nervous and unsure. I had just come from a 3-month rehab facility and knew very little about where I was heading. I arrived on a Tuesday, which happened to be 'Alumni Night.' At first, I didn’t fully understand what that meant, but I quickly learned that it’s the essence of Alpha House: a supportive community of people from all walks of life, united in the journey to get better.
Alpha House welcomes alumni to return and support new clients, creating a cycle of mutual support that strengthens everyone’s recovery. This practice shows newcomers that real change is possible if we commit to ourselves and to the principles that Alpha House offers. From the alumni, we hear stories of success, resilience, and determination. The support and fellowship from other clients here are unparalleled, truly making it a unique community atmosphere.
I haven’t even mentioned the staff – and I don’t need to. Their presence and dedication make this place what it is. In the words of a fellow group member, ‘Alpha House has a special place in our hearts.’ This community has now become my own.”
— Gordon
"My name is Leonardo Loizzo, and I’ve had the good fortune of living at Alpha House since August 23, 2024, as part of a post-treatment recovery program. Not only does Alpha House provide safe, temporary housing as I seek more permanent options, but it has also been a lifeline for my journey in recovery. Despite managing to stay sober for three and a half months before arriving, I was barely hanging on. Relapse felt imminent.
When I arrived, I was filled with hopelessness, bitterness, self-pity, and resentment. My spirit was broken, and I was in emotional and physical pain. I had heard only good things about Alpha House, but I was hesitant. Yet, almost immediately, I saw how special this place truly is. Alpha House isn’t just a sober living facility; it’s a recovery community. Graduates are welcomed back with open arms, creating a hub of positivity and kindness that makes this place feel like home.
From housing support to counselling sessions, the support here has been tremendous. Small acts of kindness and encouragement are everywhere. Those who work here treat it not as a job, but as a calling. They lead by example, showing genuine care and respect. I feel heard, validated, encouraged, and valued—and even challenged when I need it. This place has helped me grow.
From the executive director and counsellors to alumni, housemates, and visitors, everyone at Alpha House has helped me see that happiness is possible, and that extended sobriety is achievable. My gratitude for Alpha House is profound and genuine. They have left an indelible mark on me.
Thank you, Alpha House."
— Leonardo Loizzo
"To be sober and alive today is a blessing, and the experiences I’ve had along the way have been essential to my growth. A vital part of my journey took place at Alpha House in Toronto, where I spent two and a half months regaining stability after detox and residential treatment. Alpha House gave me enough freedom to reconnect with the community while maintaining accountability. The counselors were always there to offer support, helping me find housing and navigate this transitional period.
Although I had been in and out of treatment centers and 12-step programs for over 10 years, Alpha House served as the halfway point I needed to bridge the gap between structured treatment and the outside world. I connected with the local community, received invaluable guidance from the counseling staff and director, and learned how to make choices that supported my recovery. Having that autonomy made a huge difference.
The location of Alpha House is fantastic, situated right by Riverdale Park and just outside the downtown core. In less than 15 minutes, I could reach a variety of 12-step meetings by subway, in addition to those nearby. The park became a sanctuary for me, whether I wanted to walk, run, or simply enjoy the outdoors, and I loved taking walks down to the beaches on the Don Trail.
Overall, my experience at Alpha House has been profoundly positive. Maintaining my sobriety requires me to engage with 12-step meetings and fully integrate the program into my life—something that Alpha House wholeheartedly supports. I’m incredibly grateful for the supportive environment that Alpha House provided during such a pivotal transition in my life and for the people I’ve met who continue to share this path with me."
— Omar
"This house was made for addicts like me to call home. Alpha House has become more than just a place to stay; it’s a space where I feel understood, supported, and able to truly work on myself. The structure, guidance, and community here have made all the difference in my journey. I’m incredibly grateful for this place, where recovery feels possible, and a real future seems within reach."
— Shay
"I owe a lot to Alpha House. Everyone here has contributed in some way to my sobriety. They lift me up on the days when I'm feeling down. The support, encouragement, and sense of community make all the difference."
— John K.
"After losing my job and facing a series of health issues, my life spiralled into addiction. When I arrived at Alpha House, I was met with a supportive team that truly understood my struggles. Throughout my stay, I received comprehensive care, including individual and group therapy sessions, mental health support, and a structured daily routine that helped bring stability back to my life.
With Alpha House’s guidance, I completed the program, secured employment, and began rebuilding my financial independence. Today, I am proud to be sober and no longer rely on social assistance. Even more rewarding, I now mentor others within Alpha House’s alumni community, sharing my experiences to offer hope and encouragement. My journey is proof that, with dedication and the right support, turning life around is possible."
— Alex
"I hadn't seen a doctor in years, and my social skills were almost nonexistent. When I came to Alpha House, I felt isolated and unsure about how to navigate the world again. The team here helped me take the first steps towards healing by connecting me with a day program, where I could start building healthy routines and developing my social skills. They supported me in addressing the trauma I had been carrying for so long, and they arranged for me to see a doctor who truly understands people in recovery. This personalized care has been life-changing, giving me hope and the tools I need to rebuild my life. Alpha House didn’t just help me recover; they helped me reclaim my sense of self."
— Maurice F.
"Alpha House saved my life. When I first came here, I was lost and struggling, but the support and guidance I found gave me a new direction and a sense of purpose. This April, I celebrated 36 years of sobriety—an accomplishment that would have seemed impossible without Alpha House. The community here, from the dedicated staff to my fellow residents, played a vital role in helping me rebuild my life. They offered me the foundation, encouragement, and tools I needed to stay committed to recovery. Today, I’m not only sober but thriving, and I owe so much of that to Alpha House."
— Bill P.
"Writing a testimonial about my experience at Alpha House is a challenge, as it’s hard to capture the full depth and impact this place has had on my life. When I came to Alpha House, I had no home, no family, and no safe harbor from the storm of addiction. My early sobriety felt fragile, but Alpha House provided the stability and support I needed to rebuild my life.
Here, I found a community that truly cares about me. I have a beautiful, safe place to call home and access to round-the-clock counselors who earn respect not by demanding it, but by sharing their experiences and offering unwavering support and insight. Every day, we laugh together and lift one another up. Alone, I only knew how to drink; together, I feel filled with endless possibilities.
I am unbelievably grateful for Alpha House and the fraternity of brothers who make it so much more than just a place to stay. It’s a place to grow, to heal, and to realize a future I never thought possible."
— Unbelievably Grateful
"Alpha House is more than just a place to stay; it’s a safe and supportive community dedicated to helping individuals on their journey to recovery. The staff here provide a structured and nurturing environment where residents can rebuild their lives, gain strength, and develop the tools they need for lasting sobriety. With a strong focus on respect, accountability, and personal growth, Alpha House creates a welcoming space for those ready to embrace positive change.
Whether you’re taking your first steps in recovery or continuing on the path toward independence, Alpha House offers the guidance, encouragement, and resources necessary for success. This community has been instrumental in helping me navigate my recovery and build a future I can be proud of."
— Jacob