The American Addiction Centers began operating in 2012 and have several treatment facilities throughout the United States to treat adolescent and adult alcohol and drug addiction, as well as binge eating and food addictions. These centers focus on a dual diagnosis treatment model and offer support for both the client and their family. Additionally, the American Addiction Centers have programs which specialize in the unique challenges of law enforcement and firefighting professionals suffering with PTSD and addiction.
One way to work towards helping a loved one struggling with addiction is to avoid enabling. While the idea of not enabling an addiction seems simple on its surface, when American Addiction Centers reviews many of the ways to help, they often find that it can be incredibly difficult for loved ones to put it into action. After all, it can be extremely tough on an individual’s support system to watch them suffer because of their disease. Common ways that loved ones choose to help such as providing them money, paying bills, rectifying problems on their behalf, and making excuses ultimately prolong issues by ensuring that they do not need to be faced. Of course, this does not mean that all assistance needs to be avoided, but one should remain mindful of when this help is more in line with enabling.
Another way that an individual can help is by addressing the topic of addiction with their loved one. Confronting addiction can be intimidating for some, but there are some ways to keep the conversation on track and productive. American Addiction Centers reviews methods for speaking on addiction with loved ones and find that it is much more effective if one is mindful of the way they are broaching the topic. Avoiding blaming language, raising your voice, or being judgmental in your approach to conversation. Instead, try to voice your concerns and the changes you have noticed in a manner that is ultimately geared towards compassion. Shame and a “tough love” approach can be much less effective because it further isolates people suffering with addiction and makes it harder to take the steps necessary to make a change.
American Addiction Centers acknowledges that finding ways to show support is also an effective way to help a loved one through their addiction. Recovery can include encouraging them to seek help and guiding them towards resources if they are receptive. Remember that recovery is an ongoing process and remaining positive and interested in their steps towards change can mean a world of difference. Supporting their ongoing care and being an active member of their support system shows individuals in recovery that their problems are surmountable and that they have help.
When American Addiction Centers reviews methods for assisting, they often find that some do not stress the importance of helping others by focusing on yourself as well. To this point, there are many ways that an individual can strengthen their ability to act as a member of a loved one’s support system. For example, seeking further education on the topic of addiction can be an excellent way to help. Many of us do not know the complexities of addiction and gaining a more complete understanding of what individuals struggling with addiction can be beneficial for all involved. It can also be helpful to take an active role in maintaining your own self-care practices as you help your loved one. If you are not eating well, sleeping enough, and taking steps for your own mental wellness, supporting others can be a much more difficult task.
American Addiction Centers Overview
Founded in 2011 by Michael Cartwright and Jerrod Menz, American Addiction Centers is a network of numerous facilities which provides care for adults battling co-occurring mental health issues and addiction. Michael Cartwright has been an entrepreneur in behavioral health care for more than two decades and has supervised multiple federally-funded research studies on better treatment practices. AAC’s facilities are situated in various locations across America including but not limited to Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, Texas, and California. The center utilizes a 90-day promise for its clients whereby clients are guaranteed sober and clean lives after completing a consecutive 90-day treatment curriculum. If not, the clients can return for a complimentary 30-day treatment. The center offers dual diagnosis treatment and research-based care by involving clients in scientifically-proven therapy options and techniques. 12-step philosophies are also ingrained into the organization’s programs. The center offers rehab options for male and female veterans, firefighters, and first responders to help them cope with the emotional and psychological trauma of emergency response, war, and battlefield experiences. AAC also has a special program for individuals suffering from substance abuse and HIV/AIDS. The center provides psychiatric services in the form of psychiatric evaluations using pharmacogenetic testing. Holistic treatment is offered by the facilities in the form of yoga, sports, spirituality groups, and health management. Medical detox, residential treatment, and outpatient programs are also offered at most of the locations.
Housing and Food at American Addiction Centers
Housing and meal options vary depending on the facility. American Addiction Centers have locations in California, Rhode Island, Mississippi, Florida, and New Jersey. In facilities such as The Academy, residents are accommodated in one house while in others such as Greenhouse and Desert Hope housing and treatment is done under the same roof. At most locations clients have roommates and the rooms come with private bathrooms. The levels of luxury at the facilities also differ. The Greenhouse has a large indoor pool and the Desert Hope facility resembles a stylish hotel with hardwood floors and beautiful furnishings. The Oxford facility in Mississippi offers on-site course ropes, a gym, a volleyball court, a labyrinth, and much more. Food services also vary. The Academy, the organization’s adolescent program has a nutritionist on site. Salad options are available and dietary accommodations are made for gluten-free and vegetarian diets.
Treatment Options at American Addiction Centers
The facility offers various therapy options depending on the unique needs of the client. Some of these are:
- Medical detoxification
- Residential treatment
- Intensive residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
Medical Detoxification
In this stage of treatment, patients are admitted into an inpatient environment for about 5-7 days and are monitored constantly by a professional medical team. Some of the AAC facilities utilize EarlySense during detox which a specialized form of technology used to track heart and breathing rates without contact.
Residential Program
The residential program offered at the facility offers clients the opportunity to be accommodated for a particular period in order to recover in a stress and trigger free environment. The program may last from 60-90 days and includes therapy sessions, recreational time, and scheduled groups.
Intensive Outpatient Program
The intensive outpatient program allows clients to work towards long-lasting recovery while at home or work. Clients are given an individualized treatment plan and undergo treatment for at least three hours a day.
The following are a list of substances treated at the facility:
- Alcohol
- Ambien
- Cocaine
- Xanax
- Opiates
- Vicodin
Therapy Options
The facility offers various options of therapy which include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Coping skills
- 12-step meetings
- Individual therapy
- Trauma and psychodrama groups
Pricing
American Addiction Center costs approximately $15,000 – $19,500 for a 30-day inpatient program at the facility but prices vary greatly depending on the program a client is registered into as there are different programs and payment options. Clients are advised to call the facility as Treatment Consultants are available to help patients through a pre-assessment process to determine what level of care is best and affordable for the client. Clients will also be given information about the length of stay which directly affects the overall cost.
Price ranges of some of the services offered include:
- Partial Hospitalization Program: $350 – $450 daily at a private pay rate
- Sober Living Program: $1,500 – $2,500 monthly
- Intervention Groups: $2,500 all-encompassing
- Inpatient Program: $500 – $650 daily at a private pay rate
- Medical Detoxification: $500 – $650 daily at a private pay rate
- and many more
The facility does not have a sliding payment scale which means that clients who earn less will still have to pay the same amount with clients who earn more. The facility is in-network with most insurance providers and most insurance providers cover the cost of the bulk of treatments provided. Clients are strongly advised to check with the insurance network to discover benefits, coverage, and such.
Accreditations
The facility is accredited by The Joint Commission and The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
American Addiction Centers Advantages
The facility offers holistic care such as; wellness educations, basketball, Zumba, yoga, and many more. The center has built a name for itself in the healthcare sector and recovery community, offering a range of treatments from the Meditation and Mindfulness groups to holistic treatments. The facility also offers suitable accommodation to clients registered in the residential program and standard amenities. There is no sliding scale payment plan, so every client pays the same price notwithstanding on their income.
The facility also offers a flexible length of stay depending on the treatment approach, clients can decide to join the 12-step program or participate in the strong family program offered at the center. With locations nationwide, American Addiction Center is a good choice for clients seeking treatment and desiring to live a life of sobriety.
Staff
National Medical Director
Mark holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California majoring in Biology and another from the same university but the Berkeley location, majoring in Psychology. He also holds a Doctor of Osteopathic degree from the Chicago Midwestern University. He is a member of different professional associations such as; The American Osteopathic Association (AOA), The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), The American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL), and many more.
Chief Clinical Director
Tom holds a Bachelor’s degree from Oral Roberts University majoring in Psychology, a Master’s degree from Vanderbilt University majoring in Psychology, and a Ph.D. from the same university in Clinical and Quantitative Psychology. Before holding the position of Chief Clinical Director, he served in other positions such as Vice President of Research, Chief Clinical Officer, and Chief Operating Officer all at Centerstone Research Institute.
CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
Michael went to Trevecca Nazarene University where he earned a Business Management degree, he also went to Middle Tennessee State University. He is the co-founder of American Addiction Centers which was founded in 2007 and now controls over 30 locations in America.