ARS applies ‘evidence-based therapeutic models that work’ to the burdens of substance abuse, including the use of medications where needed.
Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS) was founded in 2013 by two doctors with extensive experience in the healthcare world: Drs. Mitchell Eisenberg and Lewis Gold. Four more facilities were opened in 2015. Today ARS operates a total of six residential facilities accessible to the general public, plus one specifically for firefighters and paramedics.
ARS also has three recovery residences, plus an outpatient facility that treats those with eating disorders. Its various facilities, dedicated to addressing addiction, substance and mental health issues, serve Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Ohio and Washington. Treatment is centered on evidence-based models, including cognitive-based healing, therapeutic learning and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
Programs are not marketed specifically for seniors, but ARS reflects the medical background of its founders. It provides the focus on medical monitoring needed by seniors whose recovery from substance abuse can be complicated by co-conditions and multiple medications. Its three-pronged approach combines science- and research-based therapy, instructive cognitive approaches and those medications needed in the healing process.
Ease of enrollment Ways you can enroll | 24/7 phone and online form for callback or email |
Customer support Is access easy? | Phone 24/7 |
Treatment method 12-step, medication and/or psychosocial therapy? | Medication and psychosocial therapy as needed |
Types of facility/program Facilities/programs offered? | After care, continuum of care, day treatment (PHP), inpatient detox, intensive outpatient (IOP), intervention, primary residential, sober living and transitional living |
States covered Where located? | FL, CO, WA, OH and MD |
Number of facilities How large is the chain? | 7 |
Certifications Who certifies them? | The Joint Commission and LegitScript |
Payment What are payment options? | Insurance and private pay |
Detox Detox service available? | Medication-assisted detox |
Seniors Special senior programs? | No |
Cost What is the cost of the service? | Depends on level of care needed and location |
ARS provides medically verified information on its website for those trying to determine if their behavior has gone from non-addiction to addiction. As we age and more medicines are prescribed to us for pain and medical conditions – and as our bodies process alcohol and drugs more slowly – such knowledge becomes invaluable.
Aging brings on many difficult life changes as well, where alcohol or pills may be used to cope better. Advancing age can also lead to mental health decline, where the number of prescriptions may increase while awareness decreases. This can open additional opportunities for physical dependence on drugs. ARS helps adults, regardless of age, overcome substance use disorders in a safe environment.
ARS does not have specific seniors programs at its facilities, but it was founded by two doctors who prioritize the medical aspect of addiction treatment. That has prepared ARS to deal successfully with the issues created by the prescriptions written for seniors’ increasing number of co-occurring conditions, physical disabilities and surgeries.
Opioids are the most commonly used drugs in the U.S. and are widely prescribed to seniors post-surgery and for arthritis and osteoporosis. Sedatives – primarily psychoactive medicines such as benzodiazepines – are prescribed to seniors nearly 17 million times a year. Those facts, plus over-the-counter drugs and a long-time habit of a few cocktails, can significantly increase the need for professional rehab.
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Bottom Line:
The substance abuse and mental health treatment facilities of Advanced Recovery Systems appear well-suited for seniors. ARS offers a full continuum of care – from detox to aftercare living. Its premier facilities are available in five states from Florida to Washington to provide well-researched, evidence-based treatment for addictions and any co-occurring mental health disorders. The company takes a ‘medical’ approach to care, including Medication-Assisted Treatment where required.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How all-inclusive are the services provided? ARS offers treatment solutions that are centered on evidence-based models, including various forms of therapeutic learning, cognitive-based healing and Medication-Assisted Treatment. Based upon the severity of the patient’s addiction, treatment may begin with a medical detox before transitioning to inpatient or outpatient programming.
What types of facilities are available? ARS’s various facilities provide a full continuum of care, which includesmedical detox, primary residential treatment, intensive outpatient programming and various aftercare services. Its Next Step facilities offer a supportive and safe environment for patients transitioning from inpatient rehab to a life in recovery.
Is any financing available? ARS works with a wide range of insurance providers (both in-network and out-of-network) and offers additional financing options to make recovery as affordable as possible. Its website indicates that it discounts its private pay rates to make treatment available to more patients who do not have insurance. ARS will create a specific payment plan if financial barriers are stopping a patient from accessing care. For reference, a 2014 citing mentions the 30-day program at Recovery Village Umatilla as costing $20,000, with an additional $7,500 if a 10-day on-site medically monitored detox program is needed.
More Information:
Overview: ARS’s various facilities are dedicated to providing hope to those struggling with substance abuse, primarily alcohol and opioids. The company offers multidisciplinary treatment through compassionate physicians, clinicians and addiction specialists to help patients identify the root of their addiction. Mind and body healing is supported by various combinations of amenities such as yoga, equine therapy, and art therapy.
Package Details: ARS defines treatment individually, after a full assessment of a patient’s physical, medical and psychological needs. Specialty programs include Adolescent, Alcohol/Drug Addiction, Dual Diagnosis/Co-Occurring, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy), Professionals and Trauma/PTSD.
Other Services: None.
Contract Details: No formal contract exists between ARS and a patient beyond prepayment or insurance coverage for services rendered, for as long as the patient participates and complies.
Warranty: Success depends on a patient’s willingness to commit to a life in recovery; only the patient can do that, not ARS.
Accreditations: ARS facilities are all licensed by their respective states. All facilities open through 2016 are accredited by The Joint Commission. The IAFF’s ‘Center for Excellence’ and the Recovery Village Columbus are in the process of obtaining Joint Commission accreditation. The company is LegitScript-monitored and displays the logo on its website.
Company Details: Fort Lauderdale-based Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS) calls itself “an integrated behavioral healthcare management company.” It was founded in 2013 and is “dedicated to the treatment of addiction, substance abuse, and mental health issues.” It claims that its commitment to evidence-based care means industry-low rates of patient recidivism. It is proactive in tackling the nation’s growing alcohol addiction and opioid epidemic through its community advocacy activities and access to treatment. So far, ARS has treated over 12,000 people, more than 4,000 in 2018 alone.