Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFinal VerdictCompare CentersHow to ChooseFAQsMethodology
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Final Verdict
Compare Centers
How to Choose
FAQs
Methodology
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), over 23 million adults in the U.S. have struggled with problematic drug use. If that number isn’t staggering enough, only 25% of them reported receiving treatment.However, drug addiction—clinically diagnosed assubstance use disorder (SUD)—is treatable and, after recovery, can be managed.
We researched the best drug addiction treatment centers for different types of addictions as well as subsets of individuals, so you or a loved one can take the first steps toward recovery.
Best Overall: Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
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Key Specs
Why We Chose It
Two historic addiction treatment centers merged, and now provide more than 100 years of combined experience to people looking to recover from alcohol and drug addiction.
Pros & Cons
ProsLargest nonprofit treatment centerIn-network with more than 50 insurance companiesConsNo Medicare or Medicaid coverageTeen program only offered at specific locations
ProsLargest nonprofit treatment centerIn-network with more than 50 insurance companies
Largest nonprofit treatment center
In-network with more than 50 insurance companies
ConsNo Medicare or Medicaid coverageTeen program only offered at specific locations
No Medicare or Medicaid coverage
Teen program only offered at specific locations
Overview
One of the first addiction treatment centers, Hazelden, was founded in 1949 and served as planning inspiration for former First Lady Betty Ford for the Betty Ford Center, which opened its doors in 1982.
A merger of the two treatment centers in 2014 led to the formation of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, creating one of the foremost addiction treatment centers in the country. With more than a century of combined experience, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation has led the way in research and training the next generation of addiction specialists at its graduate school in addiction studies. This focus on education strengthens its inpatient and outpatient treatment services.
Best Budget: Freedom House Recovery Center
Freedom House Recovery Center
Freedom House Recovery Center is a nonprofit treatment provider that will not turn individuals away. Fees are on a sliding scale based on need for those without insurance.
ProsPayment on a sliding scale based on needAccepts Medicare and MedicaidConsLocations only in North CarolinaResidential treatment not available at every location
ProsPayment on a sliding scale based on needAccepts Medicare and Medicaid
Payment on a sliding scale based on need
Accepts Medicare and Medicaid
ConsLocations only in North CarolinaResidential treatment not available at every location
Locations only in North Carolina
Residential treatment not available at every location
Based in North Carolina, Freedom House Recovery Center never turns away individuals seeking treatment to recover from substance use. With locations in Chapel Hill, Durham, Norlina, Roxboro, and Warrenton, Freedom House receives grants and donations to offer care to anyone who needs it; in fact, donations are often made in memory of a loved one so others can receive treatment.
Treatment varies based on factors such as age and severity of addiction. Freedom House Recovery Center is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid; however, no one is denied care based on inability to pay. Should you not have insurance, fees will be assessed on a sliding scale. Contact Freedom House Recovery Center atadministrator@fhrecovery.orgto inquire about programs and available space.
Best Inpatient Center: The Ranch Tennessee
The Ranch Tennessee
This supportive, communal setting uses its natural surroundings as part of therapy, with the outdoors serving as a space for healing during equine and adventure therapy.
ProsVirtual intensive out-patient treatment availableTherapies used include equine and adventure therapyConsNo private inpatient accommodationsNo teen or adolescent programs
ProsVirtual intensive out-patient treatment availableTherapies used include equine and adventure therapy
Virtual intensive out-patient treatment available
Therapies used include equine and adventure therapy
ConsNo private inpatient accommodationsNo teen or adolescent programs
No private inpatient accommodations
No teen or adolescent programs
A community emphasis is a cornerstone of The Ranch. Once inpatient or outpatient treatment is completed—with short-term care of 28 days and long-term care of 90 days or more—individuals have access to daily virtual recovery meetings via its alumni program, known as “Rooted.”
Best Out-Patient Center: Oxford Treatment Center
Oxford Treatment Center
With a 12,000-square-foot facility dedicated to outpatient care, Oxford Treatment Center has created separate spaces for medical, therapeutic, and community services.
ProsMedical wing with dedicated nurse’s stationHolistic and recreational activities available for out-patient care
Medical wing with dedicated nurse’s station
Holistic and recreational activities available for out-patient care
Though Oxford Treatment Center—part of the American Addiction Centers (AAC) treatment facilities—is located in Etta, Mississippi, it has a dedicated 12,000-square-foot facility at the Resolutions Oxford campus for adult outpatient care, including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. With a medical wing for monitored detox and prescription drug management, space for holistic wellness including yoga and art therapy, and community space, its outpatient offerings are designed as a follow-up to inpatient or residential treatment.
Oxford Treatment Center has a partnership with the Mississippi State Department of Health, and has accreditation from both the Joint Commission and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Its intensive outpatient program is 10 weeks long and emphasizes 12-step meetings and therapeutic treatment. It is for adults who have outside commitments and are unable to receive inpatient care.
Standard care emphasizes therapy—with group, individual, and family sessions available—as well as treatment for co-occurring disorders. Aftercare services are available, with outreach staff and on-campus support group meetings for alumni, as well as sober living facilities for individuals who want more transitional support.
Costs will vary for outpatient treatment depending on type and length of care, however, Oxford Treatment Center accepts some private insurance, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi. For admissions inquiries and screening, call (928) 900-2011.
Best for Teens: Turnbridge
Turnbridge
Turnbridge is a treatment facility created solely for teens and young adults, It has an integrated academic program, so patients can continue their education during treatment.
ProsSober living available for men who complete treatmentAcademics integrated into treatment
Sober living available for men who complete treatment
Academics integrated into treatment
Turnbridge offers residential and outpatient care for teens and young adults ages 14 and up, with separate facilities and programs for young men, young women and adolescents. With locations in New Haven and Westport, Connecticut, this 12-step based facility folds education into treatment, offering to facilitate academics via a teen’s current school or via Turnbridge Academy, integrated into the facility.
Best for Adults: Caron Pennsylvania
Caron Pennsylvania
ProsAdditional services for teens, first responders, and legal professionalsSeparate men’s and women’s program for personalized treatmentConsNo Medicare or Medicaid coverageGender-specific programming only in Pennsylvania
ProsAdditional services for teens, first responders, and legal professionalsSeparate men’s and women’s program for personalized treatment
Additional services for teens, first responders, and legal professionals
Separate men’s and women’s program for personalized treatment
ConsNo Medicare or Medicaid coverageGender-specific programming only in Pennsylvania
Gender-specific programming only in Pennsylvania
Caron Pennsylvania recognizes the differences between genders and age groups, offering treatment programs that take distinct biology and social expectations into account. Specialized treatment around peers focuses on body, mind and spirit, with programs for young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults all operating separately for men and women. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment is available in the Men’s and Women’s Centers.
In-network insurance providers include Aetna, Highmark, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Independence Blue Cross, AmeriHealth, Quest Behavioral Health, and UPMC, all of which cover a minimum 28-day stay at Caron Pennsylvania. To find out whether signature, core, or outpatient programming is right for you, call (844) 260-1324.
Best for Insured: Rosecrance
Rosecrance
Rosecrance accepts more than 25 types of insurance, including the major providers, as well as Medicaid, making treatment affordable for a wide range of individuals.
ProsAccepts MedicaidPrograms for all agesConsLocations only in the MidwestTwo types of financial charges: “routine” and “non-routine”
ProsAccepts MedicaidPrograms for all ages
Accepts Medicaid
Programs for all ages
ConsLocations only in the MidwestTwo types of financial charges: “routine” and “non-routine”
Locations only in the Midwest
Two types of financial charges: “routine” and “non-routine”
Rosecrance is a treatment center with locations in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa, offering care to individuals and families. It works with more than 25 insurance providers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, United Behavioral Health, and Medicaid, among others. Rosecrance has a variety of services, including inpatient and outpatient care, and can treat co-occurring disorders, as well.
Many of its facilities have partnerships with local counseling programs, both during active treatment and as an individual transitions out of Rosecrance. A nonprofit organization, the Rosecrance Foundation, raises funds and offers special services for vulnerable populations. To speak with an admissions counselor and inquire about services throughout their locations, call (866) 330-8729.
Best for Specific Drug Addictions: Recovery Village
Recovery Village
Recovery Village recognizes the need for specific care based on addiction type, with different treatment options based on type of substance, such as cocaine, meth, and prescription opioids.
ProsSpecific care plan for different substancesLocations across seven states and onlineConsNo Medicare or Medicaid coverageDifferent treatment options based on location
ProsSpecific care plan for different substancesLocations across seven states and online
Specific care plan for different substances
Locations across seven states and online
ConsNo Medicare or Medicaid coverageDifferent treatment options based on location
Different treatment options based on location
Recovery Village specializes in different levels of care based on specific substance addiction, including cocaine, heroin, meth, and prescription opioids. Even further, it provides a wealth of free information about all types of substance use and treatment options on its website. With locations in Georgia, Florida, New Jersey, Ohio, Colorado, Washington, and Maryland, Recovery Village even offers telehealth services to reach the largest number of people possible.
Recovery Village does not accept Medicare or Medicaid, but it does work with insurance plans such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and Humana, among others. To inquire about care or get more education on drug addiction and treatment, call (833) 722-0230.
There is a drug addiction treatment center that can help you, no matter your age, the severity of your SUD, or your socioeconomic status. If you’re looking for care geared to your specific drug addiction, Recovery Village earned our top spot, while Turnbridge is our choice for best center for teens. However, we’ve picked the Hazelden Betty Ford Center as the best overall drug addiction treatment center.
Hazelden is the largest nonprofit treatment center, boasting locations across the U.S. and a variety of treatment options, from inpatient and outpatient care totelehealthsessions and sober living support. Individuals are treated through a variety of methods, such ascognitive behavioral therapyand 12-step interventions, and have access to ongoing recovery monitoring. Although Hazelden doesn’t accept Medicare or Medicaid, it’s in-network with more than 50 insurance companies.
Compare the Best Drug Addiction Treatment Centers
Guide to Choosing the Best Drug Addiction Center
What Is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is clinically referred to as substance use disorder. It includes both the abuse of and dependence on drugs or alcohol and is considered to be a mental illness.Someone is considered to have an SUD when there is uncontrolled or compulsive drug use—either prescription or illicit—leading to significant impairment or distress often impacting home life or employment. According to theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM 5), someone has a diagnosis of SUD if, over the past 12 months, they meet at least two of these criteria:
A SUD diagnosis varies based on how many of these criteria are met. The presence of two to three symptoms constitutes a mild diagnosis, four or five is moderate, and six or more is labeled as severe.
How Do I Know If I Need Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment?
The first step to drug addiction treatment—regardless of setting—is a clinical assessment. During this process, a clinical team can determine whether inpatient or outpatient care is the best step forward. This assessment includes discussion of medical history; type and length ofsubstance use; previous treatment history; current medications, if any; and an evaluation of outside factors, including living situation and job performance.
A main consideration when planning treatment is how much access to medical professionals an individual needs, especially during a medically monitored detox process, and what outside medical professionals are currently administering treatment. An outpatient program may be recommended for those who, for example, cannot break away from the day-to-day responsibilities of a job or have a strong support group at home. Your current medical provider or a treatment center admissions counselor can help determine which treatment option is best for you.
Do I Need to Travel Out of State to Find a Treatment Center?
It is not a requirement to travel out of state to find a treatment center for SUD. If you are looking for an exclusive program or are hoping for specific accommodations and amenities, you may choose to go out of state for a particular facility. However, if it is determined that an outpatient program is the best way forward, choosing a treatment center close to home may eliminate a commute for visitation and make more frequent meetings and therapy sessions possible.
What Accreditations Should I Look for When Selecting a Treatment Center?
The two leading accreditations a substance abuse treatment center can have are from theJoint Commission(formerly the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations or JCAHO) and theCommission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). In addition to one of these accreditations, treatment centers may also receive certification from their state health department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medicare does cover drug addiction treatment; however, there is a caveat. In order to receive coverage, you must:
Treatment centers often offer support to alumni, or, if they don’t have additional programs, can provide a referral. Support groups and 12-step programs do exist—specificallyNarcotics Anonymous (NA)—where individuals can find a sponsor and be a part of a community of others managing their recovery. If you’re looking for a local support group, theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helplinecan refer you to support in your area; call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
A variety of factors were used to choose the best drug addiction treatment centers, including accreditation from leading associations and state departments of health. When reviewing a treatment center, we considered its history, facilities, programming, and contributions to research and education. In addition, we looked for multiple locations and specialty programs that could serve a wider group of individuals.
Next, we narrowed down categories for leading treatment centers that would help serve specific groups of individuals and eliminate barriers for attending drug addiction treatment centers (including age and/or lack of insurance).
Finally, we looked at aftercare and post-treatment offerings for both alumni and the public. Because there is no cure for SUD, making sure support is offered after initial treatment is important to help individuals manage their recovery long after their time at a treatment center.
6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health.10 percent of US adults have drug use disorder at some point in their lives.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Understanding drug use and addiction.Robinson SM, Adinoff B.The classification of substance use disorders: historical, contextual, and conceptual considerations.Behav Sci (Basel). 2016;6(3):18. doi:10.3390/bs6030018McLellan AT.Substance misuse and substance use disorders: Why do they matter in healthcare?Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc. 2017;128:112-130.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). 2013. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596HealthCare.gov.Mental health and substance abuse health coverage options.
6 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health.10 percent of US adults have drug use disorder at some point in their lives.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Understanding drug use and addiction.Robinson SM, Adinoff B.The classification of substance use disorders: historical, contextual, and conceptual considerations.Behav Sci (Basel). 2016;6(3):18. doi:10.3390/bs6030018McLellan AT.Substance misuse and substance use disorders: Why do they matter in healthcare?Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc. 2017;128:112-130.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). 2013. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596HealthCare.gov.Mental health and substance abuse health coverage options.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institutes of Health.10 percent of US adults have drug use disorder at some point in their lives.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Understanding drug use and addiction.Robinson SM, Adinoff B.The classification of substance use disorders: historical, contextual, and conceptual considerations.Behav Sci (Basel). 2016;6(3):18. doi:10.3390/bs6030018McLellan AT.Substance misuse and substance use disorders: Why do they matter in healthcare?Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc. 2017;128:112-130.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). 2013. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596HealthCare.gov.Mental health and substance abuse health coverage options.
National Institutes of Health.10 percent of US adults have drug use disorder at some point in their lives.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Understanding drug use and addiction.
Robinson SM, Adinoff B.The classification of substance use disorders: historical, contextual, and conceptual considerations.Behav Sci (Basel). 2016;6(3):18. doi:10.3390/bs6030018
McLellan AT.Substance misuse and substance use disorders: Why do they matter in healthcare?Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc. 2017;128:112-130.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). 2013. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
HealthCare.gov.Mental health and substance abuse health coverage options.
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