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

People sitting in the atrium in the Generose Building in Rochester, Minn.

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 four to five 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 drug addiction and alcohol use disorder.

Related video

Addiction Takes Center Stage - Mayo Clinic

Dennis Douda: It's a Pulitzer Prize-winning examination of a family's addictions. Who knew Eugene O'Neill's play "Long Day's Journey Into Night" would one day become a teaching opportunity for one of the world's most respected medical facilities.

Timothy W. Lineberry, M.D., Psychiatrist, Mayo Clinic: We wanted to do is take the power of drama and mix that with cutting-edge scientific information. So one in eight higher than that rate I gave you before...

Dennis Douda: Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development staged a day-long series of seminars and panel discussions at a place famous for putting raw human emotions on stage, the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis.

Mark Frye, M.D., Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic: Personal stories are amazing ways to really appreciate struggle and the road to recovery.

Dennis Douda: Mayo psychiatrist Dr. Mark Frye said treating addiction can be particularly complex when mental health is a factor. Women with bipolar disorder, for example, are at seven times higher risk for alcoholism.

Dr. Frye: A lot of neuroscience research is moving forward to try to better understand that risk. Clinicians are recognizing that it's important to really screen for that.

Melissa Gilbert, Actress: Dealing with feelings and emotions you know. I never, we weren't allowed to have them when I was a kid except on camera.

Dennis Douda: Actress Melissa Gilbert revealed a family history of alcoholism and her own struggles with drug abuse and alcohol two years ago in her memoir. Being in the spotlight made appearances at recovery programs an act of courage.

Ms. Gilbert: As I was walking in, someone came running up to me and said, "Oh my gosh, I loved you on 'Little House on the Prairie.' Oh, you're, oh my. Oh, sorry. Oh. How do you do anonymous?" and I said "I don't."

Dennis Douda: Yet, she says an important part of staying sober for anyone means not hiding the truth.

Ms. Gilbert: I have a disease. I have an addiction and it's treatable.

Dr. Frye: And that we recognize that there is hope. People can get better. Things are not hopeless in terms of treatment.

Dennis Douda: For the Mayo Clinic News Network, I'm Dennis Douda.