Overview

Since 1972, Mayo Clinic has provided treatment for people addicted to alcohol, prescription medications and illegal drugs. Mayo Clinic's goal is to help you, your family and others close to you with your ongoing journey of recovery.

For more than 50 years, Mayo's addiction programs have incorporated advances in the medical understanding of addiction and associated medical and emotional problems. The goal of treatment is to prevent relapse and improve quality of life by providing the most up-to-date care in a highly professional setting.

Mayo Clinic offers a variety of addiction programs to help you reach your recovery goals, including your loved ones as part of the process.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for treatment of an alcohol or substance use problem

Addiction services are provided in the Generose Building at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota.

  • Comprehensive care. Mayo Clinic offers a comprehensive assessment of your alcohol or other substance use problem, mental health concerns, and medical status. Treatment for addictions and mental health concerns are incorporated into a single personalized treatment plan. You also have access to the extensive medical and psychiatric services at Mayo Clinic, if needed.
  • Expertise. A psychiatrist with board certification in the specialty of addictions leads your treatment team and coordinates your care. You'll work closely with a licensed alcohol and drug addiction counselor, a licensed professional clinical counselor, and nursing staff who specialize in addiction treatment.
  • Patient-staff ratio. The ratio of one counselor or therapist for every 4 to 5 patients ensures that you receive the individualized approach you need to accomplish your treatment goals.
  • Treatment offerings. Mayo Clinic's continuum of addiction treatment services includes a state-of-the-art 30-day intensive program with on-site residence. In this highly confidential and professional setting, patients form a small community and receive 24/7 support in establishing their sobriety and developing recovery skills. Other treatment options include various outpatient program levels of care, including a one-month outpatient treatment program and continuing care programs to assist with extended recovery efforts.

Read more about alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder.

Your treatment team

At Mayo Clinic, a doctor with advanced specialized training in the treatment of addiction, called an addiction psychiatrist, coordinates the treatment programs and all of your care. The doctor leads a team of addiction specialists, who provide comprehensive and individualized care for each person across the spectrum of care, including the initial evaluation, treatment, continuing care and follow-up treatment plans.

The ratio of one licensed alcohol and drug counselor for every 4 to 5 patients ensures that you receive the individual attention necessary to accomplish your treatment goals.

Core members of your treatment team include these professionals:

  • Addiction psychiatrist.
  • Addiction psychologist.
  • Licensed alcohol and drug counselor or licensed professional clinical counselor.
  • Nurse with special training in addictions.

Additional services available during the patient's stay, as needed, may include these professionals:

  • Advanced practice provider.
  • Recreational therapist.
  • Dietitian.
  • Nicotine dependence counselor.
  • Chaplain.
  • Neuropsychologist.

Frequently asked questions

Does the program treat psychiatric disorders, too?

Many people with an addictive disorder also have depression, anxiety or other psychiatric symptoms. The treatment team will assess, monitor and address these symptoms during the course of the substance use treatment.

Is this an abstinence-based program?

Yes. Abstinence from alcohol, addictive prescription medications and illegal drugs provides the best opportunity for long-term recovery.

Who can get information about my treatment?

The confidentiality of patient records maintained by alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs is protected by federal law. The programs may not disclose any information identifying a patient receiving care for alcohol or drug addiction unless the patient consents or a court order mandates disclosure.