Our Approach to Treatment
At Black Bear Lodge, treatment begins with understanding the individual rather than the diagnosis alone. Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan developed around their substance use history, mental health needs, medical history and recovery goals.
Our clinical team integrates addiction treatment and dual diagnosis care into a single treatment plan whenever appropriate, recognizing that substance use and mental health concerns often occur together.
Our residential treatment program creates the foundation for lifelong recovery by addressing physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness. In addition to evidence-based clinical care, treatment may incorporate nutrition, mindfulness, fitness, recreational activities, communication skills, relapse prevention planning and aftercare preparation to support long-term recovery.
Located in North Georgia, our wooded campus provides an environment where individuals can step away from the routines and environments that may contribute to substance use and focus on the work of recovery.
Levels of Care
Medical Detox
For many individuals, recovery begins with medically supervised detox. Our medical detox program helps individuals manage withdrawal symptoms while preparing for the next phase of treatment.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment provides structured, around-the-clock support while individuals participate in therapy, education and recovery programming designed to address the underlying causes of addiction.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
For individuals who require ongoing structure after residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs may provide additional support while allowing greater independence. Availability and referrals vary based on individual needs and discharge planning recommendations.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Intensive outpatient treatment can help individuals continue building recovery skills while transitioning back into work, family and community responsibilities. Recommendations are based on individual treatment goals and continuing care planning.
Aftercare and Continuing Care
Recovery continues after formal treatment ends. Continuing care planning may include outpatient treatment, community support groups, therapy referrals, alumni resources and other recovery supports designed to help individuals maintain progress over time.
What We Treat
Black Bear Lodge provides treatment for a wide range of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Common substances treated include:
- Alcohol
- Opioids
- Benzodiazepines
- Stimulants
- Prescription medications
- Marijuana and other substances
See All Conditions We Treat.
Treatment Modalities
Black Bear Lodge utilizes both evidence-based addiction treatment approaches and holistic addiction treatment experiences to support long-term recovery.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals identify patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to substance use while developing healthier coping strategies.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy provides one-on-one support with a licensed clinician to address substance use, trauma, mental health concerns and recovery goals.
Group Therapy
Group therapy provides opportunities for shared learning, accountability and peer support throughout treatment.
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed treatment recognizes the impact trauma can have on addiction and recovery while integrating that understanding into treatment planning.
Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapy is an important part of treatment at Black Bear Lodge. While traditional therapy often happens in an office or group setting, experiential therapy allows individuals to reinforce recovery skills through activities, reflection and shared experiences.
Black Bear’s North Georgia setting creates opportunities for experiential therapy through off-site hikes, including guided waterfall hikes, recreational activities, yoga and wellness programming. Many patients find these experiences help strengthen communication, mindfulness, problem-solving skills and peer connection while supporting the work taking place in individual and group therapy sessions.
Holistic Treatment Experiences
Holistic addiction treatment at Black Bear Lodge supports the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of recovery. Programming may include yoga, fitness opportunities, nutrition and wellness groups, mindfulness practices and recreational activities designed to support overall well-being throughout treatment.
Patients also have access to amenities including a pool, gym and opportunities for recreation and community engagement as part of the broader recovery experience.
Who We Treat
Black Bear Lodge provides addiction treatment programs for adults experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
If you are unsure whether Black Bear Lodge is the right fit for your needs, our admissions team can help answer questions and discuss treatment options.
Why Black Bear Lodge
Black Bear Lodge is accredited by The Joint Commission and has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers in both 2024 and 2025.
Located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, Black Bear combines evidence-based clinical care with an environment designed to support focus, reflection and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
