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American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

AAC’s Unique Specialized Tracks & Groups

When it comes to addiction treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all program that works for every person. In general, effective treatment for alcoholism should address the needs of the individual, not just their alcohol abuse. It should also include therapy through a rehabilitation program, a mix of medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, and long-term aftercare programming to prevent relapse.

Additionally, some programs offer a number of alternative/holistic therapies and specialized groups to help individuals work toward recovery alongside like-minded peers. Within our facilities we welcome people of all backgrounds, gender identities, beliefs and cultures. Because of this, we have created unique specialized tracks that may better serve you in your journey.

We offer the below groups within our facilities (depending on location):

  • Veterans and first responders.
  • LGBTQ.
  • Faith-based groups.
  • Chronic Mental Illness.
  • Impaired professionals.

Alcoholism Treatment for Veterans & First Responders

Veterans are welcome within any of our facilities, but at Desert Hope in Nevada and Recovery First in Florida, we offer our Salute to Recovery program. Within these two facilities, we cater to veteran and first responder populations battling not only addiction but co-occurring mental health issues as well. We know this population has had different life experiences, so we want to make sure they feel comfortable and understood in our program when discussing what they’ve gone through in the line of duty.

Each facility offers “battalions” and specialized programming via a 4-week cycle tailored specifically to their experiences. Because we believe substance abuse can stem from isolation, we also encourage veterans to room together.

For programming, all veterans and first responders go through the process together in a group with only other veterans and first responders. It’s a way to allow them to bond with people who have similar life experiences—including staff members—during one of the most important periods of life: recovery. Within these facilities, you’ll also work with a therapist who is a veteran. 

Alcoholism Treatment for LGBTQ

Among those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ), discrimination, social stigmas—and other challenges encountered by those who identify as heterosexuals—can be some of the main factors contributing to substance use disorders (SUDs) in this population. Federally-funded surveys have also found that, compared with people who identify as heterosexual, sexual minorities have higher rates of substance misuse and substance use disorders.

With this in mind, we have created unique LGBTQ tracks to offer this population a safe and welcoming place for them to work toward recovery. Research has also found that, when compared to gay and bisexual men in non-specialized programs, addiction treatment programs providing specialized groups for gay and bisexual men showed better outcomes.

Those participating in our LBGTQ tracks will cover topics from the history of the LGBTQ community to healthy relationships, family dynamics, coming out stigmas/stereotypes, and transgender issues. Our treatment experience will work through issues such as:

  • High exposure to hate crimes.
  • Unique relationship issues.
  • High expectations of societal norms and stigmas.
  • Focusing on taking care of others, having nothing left for themselves.
  • Understanding the unique struggles that this population endures.
  • Dealing with a high stress work environment.
  • High exposure to trauma or trauma related incidents.
  • Developing a safe space to discuss and explore their issues in a non-judgmental supportive environment.

Faith-Based Alcoholism Programs

In the U.S., 65% of American adults describe themselves as Christians when asked about their religious preferences according to a 2018-2019 Pew Research Center telephone survey. According to the Journal of Scientific Study of Religion in “Religious Involvement and Drug Use among Urban Adolescents,” researchers suggest that though religion can affect how alcohol use is viewed, its importance in use can depend on other factors such as the nature of use and “other sources of social control.” Meaning, religious belief alone may not be enough to dissuade people from abusing alcohol and other substances.

Often times, Christians who struggle with addiction, can feel ashamed about their use because it goes against their biblical beliefs and faith practices. When it comes to recovery, being a part of a faith-based program can help them understand the disease while offering a safe space for them to share their experiences with other like-minded individuals.

We have developed a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on Biblical principles and evidenced-based alcoholism treatment for Christians. Our curriculum, depending on location, may include topics such as:

  • The struggle of sin.
  • The grace of God.
  • Empowerment of faith.
  • The importance of honesty.
  • Prayer and meditation.

The program also offers individual and group Christian drug counseling, educational classes, group fellowship activities, and outings to church services.

Chronic Mental Illness

At River Oaks in Florida and Greenhouse Treatment Center in Texas, we have the ability to treat patients with chronic mental illnesses. Within addiction treatment facilities, programs are often not equipped to provide specialized care for those suffering with chronic mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and shizoaffective disorder.

However, within these facilities, we have created the Personalized and Therapeutic Healing (PATH) program which offers designated care for individuals who struggle with alcoholism and chronic mental illness. In our PATH program, we work to create an open, supportive environment grounded in skills-based learning that is tailored to how this population learns best, instead of relying solely on traditional methods.

PATH is available to people 18 years or older and offers group and individual therapy along with medication management. Its goals include: 

  • Dealing with suicidal thoughts.
  • Working through past traumas.
  • Improving communication and coping skills.
  • Developing a positive support network.

Alcoholism Treatment for Impaired Professionals

Within our Recovery First and Greenhouse facilities in Florida and Texas, respectively, our Impaired Professionals track offers support for licensed professionals such as doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dentists, and pharmacists. Healthcare professionals face a unique set of challenges in recovery and our staff recognizes that they may feel ashamed of seeking help due to their roles within society and among their peers.

In this program, those in healthcare roles can receive treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders that addresses their unique needs working in high-stress settings. We offer genetics-based testing (upon request), both IPN and PRN designated programs, and re-entry planning for transition back to their everyday lives and careers.

The program can help professionals with:

  • How to cope with the pressures of these stressful careers.
  • Licensing issues.
  • Learning to prioritize recovery while managing the demands of a career.


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