Making Headlines Locally and Nationally
RCA in the News
At RCA, we are setting a new standard for addiction treatment with our clinically-proven programs delivered with compassionate and personalized care. From press releases on our industry-leading outcomes to recent accolades for RCA and articles written by the addiction treatment experts on our team. Below you’ll find news items that reflect our continuous efforts and unwavering dedication to lead the path in addiction recovery. Stay informed with the most up-to-date developments and stories that highlight how we are making a difference in communities across the nation.
The US Government Just Changed Their Alcohol Guidelines. What’s the New Limit?
New guidance from the FDA and HHS raises more questions than it answers. Here’s what the experts say.
EARLIER THIS WEEK, the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. There were a lot of things we liked. Prioritizing protein? Great. High-fiber grains? Excellent. But some of the revisions raised a few eyebrows—you can read our editor’s analysis here—especially the new guidelines on alcohol.
Official advice on drinking has always tiptoed around the question: just how much alcohol can you get away with without doing lasting damage? In recent years, research has shown that really, there is technically no amount of alcohol that’s safe to consume. In 2025, the US Surgeon General even called for adding labels to bottles that explain alcohol’s direct link to cancer. “The alcohol research community has known for a long time that alcohol is not safe,” says John Callaci, PhD, a professor researching the molecular effects of alcohol on the skeleton at Loyola University Chicago. “You’re not doing your body, your health, any good by drinking.”
Even so, the official line on what was ‘safe’ remained clear: 2 drinks or fewer for men and one drink or fewer for women daily. Now? That’s down the drain.
What is the New Guidance on Alcohol?
The loosened guidelines do away with quantity advice in lieu of a blanket statement: “Consume less alcohol for better overall health.” What does less mean? That seems open to interpretation, and it’s one of the major issues Callaci points to. For starters: Most people don’t actually know how much ‘one’ drink is.
“A glass of wine is five ounces of wine. And nobody drinks that. They’ll fill their wine glass up to probably 10 ounces,” he says. “So they think they’re drinking one drink, and they’re actually drinking two or more.”
At a news conference, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said the greater health risk is isolation, not alcohol. He said alcohol is the “social lubricant that brings people together” and “there’s probably nothing healthier than having a good time with friends in a safe way.”
In reference to specific alcohol limits, Oz noted, “there is alcohol on these dietary guidelines, but the implication is don’t have it for breakfast.”
Doctors’ Reactions to the New Alcohol Guidance
MH asked doctors from a wide variety of fields for their thoughts on the new alcohol guidance. They didn’t hold back.
Myles Jen Kin, DO, medical director at Recovery Centers of America at Danvers and Westminster:
“Alcohol is the most widely used substance in the United States because it’s legal and socially accepted, but that does not make it safe. Alcohol contributes to preventable death, chronic illness, liver and cardiovascular disease, cancer, mental health challenges, injuries, and thousands of traffic fatalities every year. The economic costs exceed $240 billion annually when you factor in healthcare, lost productivity, and public safety impacts. Despite its legal status, alcohol causes more widespread harm than many illicit substances, quietly draining lives, families, and the economy while hiding in plain sight. Referring to alcohol as a ‘social lubricant’ trivializes the harm experienced by millions of Americans and their families. The medical community has evolved its position as evidence grows—and today, many experts agree that no amount of alcohol is without risk.”
Read full article here: https://www.menshealth.com/health/a69881871/how-much-alcohol-should-you-drink-health-guidelines/
From Becker’s Behavioral Health:
Behavioral health leaders are entering the new year with a shared sense of urgency and a renewed commitment to transforming how care is delivered, funded and supported. From strengthening the continuum of care to building virtual reality programs for youth and expanding rural access for older adults, these are the long-term strategies leaders are centering in 2026.
Editor’s note: These responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Question: As you plan for 2026, what is the most critical behavioral health priority you are aligning leadership, capital and operations around?
Brett Cohen. President and Chief Executive Officer of Recovery Centers of America (King of Prussia, Pa.): As we move into 2026, our highest priority is twofold: aligning leadership, resources and operations around providing safe, accessible care with industry-leading outcomes, while investing in the people who deliver that care. At Recovery Centers of America, we believe patients, families and communities deserve treatment that is evidence-based, consistent and accountable to meaningful, real-world outcomes. In the year ahead, we are focused on strengthening our full continuum of care, breaking down barriers to access, and continuously improving how we support sustained recovery while reducing stigma around addiction and mental health.
Equally important is our continued investment in the people who make that care possible every day. Clinical excellence is only achievable when teams are supported by a strong culture and a work environment that prioritizes safety, collaboration and professional growth. By aligning leadership and operations around both outcomes and culture, we are building a system that delivers high-quality care today and remains resilient, effective, and patient-centered for the future of addiction and mental health treatment.
Read full article here – https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health/what-behavioral-health-leaders-are-prioritizing-in-2026/
Recovery Centers of America to Open First Florida Treatment Center in Mount Dora
National Addiction and Mental Health Provider Brings Ethical, Evidence-Based Care to Central Florida
MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a nationally recognized leader in evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment, announced today that it is expanding its care network into Florida with a new facility in Mount Dora. Set to welcome patients beginning early January 2026, the campus will introduce RCA’s well-established model of high-quality, accessible recovery care to Central Florida, offering medically supervised detoxification and 24/7 residential treatment, with outpatient services planned to launch later this year.
RCA at Mount Dora will be RCA’s first Florida treatment center and second location in the Southeast, joining RCA at Greenville, and will provide compassionate, patient-centered support at a time when the need for trusted behavioral health care continues to rise. The center’s clinical teams will deliver RCA’s hallmark evidence-based, trauma-informed approach, equipping patients with individualized care plans that address the needs of those new to recovery, those returning after relapse, those with co-occurring mental health conditions, and those seeking treatment for primary mental health needs without an active substance use disorder.
“Patients and families will feel safe, respected, and supported through every stage of recovery at Recovery Centers of America at Mount Dora. They can rely on the highest standards of trauma-informed care,” said Brett Cohen, President and Chief Executive Officer at Recovery Centers of America. “We are proud to bring accessible, high-quality treatment to the Mount Dora community, care they can rely on immediately, and feel supported by long after they leave our doors.”
Spanning 19 acres, the campus will include seven buildings, a pond, an outdoor recreation area with a pool, a full basketball court, and a rock-climbing wall. The 63,000-square-foot facility will include 124 beds.
Patients will have access to RCA’s full continuum of care, including robust family programming, virtual and in-person family support groups, educational webinars, and coaching for loved ones navigating the recovery process. These services give families essential tools to support their loved one’s recovery while also promoting their own healing. Upon completing treatment, patients will be welcomed into RCA’s alumni program, which offers continued support, community events, accountability, and long-term connection, all designed to help individuals maintain lasting recovery and feel supported well beyond their time in treatment.
Located at 19650 US Highway 441, the Mount Dora facility represents a significant investment in expanding access to high-quality addiction treatment across the nation. The center will open to patients in January 2026. Until then, assessments and admissions remain available 24/7. For more information on RCA’s services, locations, and programs, call 855-902-4847 or visit www.recoverycentersofamerica.com.
About Recovery Centers of America
Recovery Centers of America (RCA) is on a mission to save one million lives impacted by addiction and mental health disorders, one person at a time. RCA’s evidence-based care approach features a full continuum of consistent, personalized, inpatient and outpatient services at world-class facilities in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Southeast regions. These drug and alcohol treatment programs are designed to support lasting recovery and lifelong healing. RCA admits patients 24/7, accepts most major insurances, and provides transportation, intervention, and family support services. RCA is proud to have many of its facilities recognized in Newsweek’s America’s Best Addiction Centers rankings for excellence. For inquiries or admissions, call 855-902-4847 or visit www.recoverycentersofamerica.com.
Recovery Centers of America at Indianapolis Celebrates 5 Years of Transforming Lives Through Addiction Treatment
Award-winning center marks milestones with expanded services, patient success stories, and continued commitment to saving lives.
INDIANAPOLIS –Recovery Centers of America (RCA) at Indianapolis announced today the celebration of its fifth anniversary, marking a major milestone in evidence-based addiction treatment and its mission to save lives impacted by drug and alcohol addiction and mental health.
Since opening its doors in December 2020, RCA at Indianapolis has grown from its initial inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs into a robust, full-service SUD and mental health treatment campus. Over the past five years, the Indianapolis site has expanded its footprint, enhanced its continuum of care, and increased its capacity to meet the needs of individuals and families across the region. This steady growth has strengthened the center’s role as a vital resource for communities throughout Indiana.
“Recovery Centers of America at Indianapolis reflects the very best of what we aim to deliver in every community we serve: outstanding clinical care, strong local partnerships, and a relentless focus on patient outcomes,” said Mark Littrell, Regional Vice President of Recovery Centers of America. “Five years is a meaningful milestone, but it’s only the start of the lasting impact RCA will continue to make for individuals and families across Indiana.”
Over the last five years, RCA at Indianapolis has supported thousands of patients and their families through inpatient, outpatient, and family services. Some of the site’s accomplishments include:
- Treated nearly 5,000 lives
- Expanded to include Mental Health Residential and Outpatient Treatment Programs
- Earned Newsweek’s “America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers” four years in a row (2022–2025)
- Opened with detox, residential, PHP & IOP (2020), and added mental health residential & outpatient services (2025)
- Became in-network with Healthy Indiana Plans (HIP), Hoosier Care Connect (HCC), and Hoosier Healthwise (HHW) to make treatment more accessible
- Opened access for pregnant women at every stage to receive safe, compassionate treatment
- Welcomed patients with service and emotional support animals on campus
- Greeted more than 50 alumni at sober events & meetings and supported hundreds of family members
- Built partnerships with local communities & government
Christine Schultz, CEO, RCA at Indianapolis, said, “For five years, our team has delivered compassionate, clinically excellent care to thousands of patients and families.” Continuing, “We are proud to continue expanding access and innovation in treatment across the state.”
As RCA at Indianapolis looks ahead, the center remains focused on deepening its impact by expanding access, evolving program offerings, and continuing to meet patients, families, and alumni with the highest standard of care.
To learn more about RCA, visit www.recoverycentersofamerica.com.
About Recovery Centers of America
Recovery Centers of America (RCA) is on a mission to save one million lives impacted by addiction and mental health disorders, one person at a time. RCA’s evidence-based care approach features a full continuum of consistent, personalized, inpatient and outpatient services at world-class facilities in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast regions. These drug and alcohol treatment programs are designed to support lasting recovery and lifelong healing. RCA admits patients 24/7, accepts most major insurances, and provides transportation, intervention and family support services. RCA is proud to have many of its facilities recognized in Newsweek’s America’s Best Addiction Centers rankings for excellence. For inquiries or admissions, call 844-319-0368 or visit www.recoverycentersofamerica.com.
Dry January can uncover warning signs of alcohol use disorder that shouldn’t be ignored.
By Lana Pine of The Educated Patient
For many, Dry January starts as a simple wellness goal — an effort to cut back, reset or start the year off healthier. But for others, the month can quietly reveal a much deeper struggle with alcohol. According to Peter Vernig, Ph.D., MBA, vice president of mental health services at Recovery Centers of America, repeated failed attempts to stop drinking, physical discomfort when cutting back or feeling unable to control alcohol use can be important warning signs that go beyond a temporary habit.
Many people participate in Dry January to reset or improve their health. From your perspective, what makes Dry January such an important early indicator of deeper issues with alcohol?
Read the entire article here – https://www.theeducatedpatient.com/view/what-dry-january-can-teach-us-about-alcohol-use-disorder
Recovery Centers of America Announces In-Network Partnership with First Choice
New agreement expands access to comprehensive substance use and mental health treatment nationwide
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. – Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a leading provider of evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment, announced today that all RCA facilities are now in-network with First Choice Health Network (FCHN), expanding access to high-quality care for more than one million covered lives nationwide. The agreement, effective December 1, enables First Choice members to receive a broad spectrum of RCA services across the continuum of care, including detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient programming (IOP), and ambulatory detox for substance use disorders, dual diagnosis, and primary mental health treatment at select RCA locations.
“This partnership represents a meaningful step forward in ensuring that more individuals and families can access timely, effective treatment without unnecessary financial barriers,” said Mark Faselle, Vice President of Payer Relations at RCA. “By joining First Choice Health Network across all of our locations, Recovery Centers of America is extending our mission to meet people where they are and support lasting recovery through clinically robust, compassionate care.”
The expanded in-network access is expected to create a significant opportunity for First Choice members seeking behavioral health and addiction services. With more than one million covered lives nationally, even modest utilization could translate into life-changing treatment for thousands of individuals each year.
Expanding access through trusted provider networks is critical to meeting the rising demand for mental health and substance use disorder services. By bringing RCA into its in-network offerings, First Choice Health Network members can now more easily connect to RCA’s full continuum of evidence-based care, ensuring individuals receive the appropriate level of support when they need it, from detox and residential treatment to PHP, IOP, and ambulatory detox.
RCA operates a national footprint of treatment centers designed to support patients through each stage of recovery. The First Choice Health Network agreement enhances RCA’s long-term strategy to partner with payors that share a commitment to expanding access and improving outcomes across behavioral health and addiction treatment.
About Recovery Centers of America
Recovery Centers of America (RCA) is on a mission to save one million lives impacted by addiction and mental health disorders, one person at a time. RCA’s evidence-based care approach features a full continuum of consistent, personalized, inpatient and outpatient services at world-class facilities in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast regions. These drug and alcohol treatment programs are designed to support lasting recovery and lifelong healing. RCA admits patients 24/7, accepts most major insurances (now in-network with First Choice Health Network (FCHN), and provides transportation, intervention and family support services. RCA is proud to have many of its facilities recognized in Newsweek’s America’s Best Addiction Centers rankings for excellence. For inquiries or admissions, call 888-641-3981 or visit recoverycentersofamerica.com.
Dr. Dylan Deatrich Joins RCA at Monroeville, Leading with Compassion in Addiction Care
Dr. Deatrich brings a deep–rooted passion for addiction medicine, shaped by both professional experience and personal connection. A graduate of Albright College and Penn State College of Medicine, Dr. Deatrich began his career in Family Medicine, where he often encountered patients grappling with substance use and mental health challenges. That exposure inspired a lasting commitment to addiction treatment, one he continues to pursue with empathy, humility, and clinical expertise.
“I’ve had a passion for treating substance use disorder for many years,” said Dr. Deatrich. “What drew me to RCA is the organization’s dedication to acceptance and understanding. My goal is to ensure that every person I encounter –patients, staff, or alumni –feels valued and heard.”
In his new role, Dr. Deatrich aims to cultivate a supportive, collaborative environment among the clinical and counseling teams while ensuring that each patient receives individualized, compassionate care. His first priorities include getting to know the RCA Monroeville community,
fostering communication across departments, and continuing to elevate the center’s standard of care.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Deatrich to the team here in Monroeville,” said David Blenk, CEO of RCA at Monroeville. “His blend of clinical expertise, leadership, and personal empathy perfectly aligns with RCA’s mission to save lives and help patients achieve lasting recovery.”
Outside of his medical career, Dr. Deatrich enjoys spending time with his wife and five children. He grew up in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, and remains committed to supporting communities across the state through accessible, high–quality recovery care.
About Recovery Centers of America
New in-network agreement strengthens affordability and access to addiction treatment across New Jersey
MAYS LANDING, NJ. – Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a nationally recognized leader in evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment, announced today that RCA at Lighthouse, located in Mays Landing, NJ, is now in-network with Oxford Health for inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder (SUD) care. The new agreement extends to RCA’s Greenville (SC) and Indianapolis (IN) facilities, further expanding affordable access to treatment nationwide.
Oxford Health, a subsidiary of UnitedHealthcare, primarily serves members in the tri-state area of Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. With this partnership, RCA at Lighthouse now ensures in-network access for thousands of Oxford Health members across New Jersey, removing cost barriers and simplifying the path to recovery.
“This partnership with Oxford Health allows more New Jersey families to get the care they deserve without financial uncertainty,” said Mark Faselle, VP of Payor Relations at Recovery Centers of America. “By aligning with one of the region’s largest insurance networks, we’re strengthening our mission to make high-quality, evidence-based treatment accessible to all who need it.”
This expansion follows RCA’s recent Optum agreement, which brought RCA at Lighthouse, Greenville, and Indianapolis in-network with one of the nation’s largest insurers. Combined, these partnerships now allow RCA facilities in South Jersey, South Carolina, and Indiana to accept 90–95% of all commercial insurance plans, ensuring patients can receive care across the full continuum, from detox and residential treatment to outpatient programs.
RCA remains committed to its mission of saving lives from the disease of addiction by providing accessible, effective, and compassionate care close to home.
To learn more about RCA, visit recoverycentersofamerica.com.
About Recovery Centers of America
Recovery Centers of America (RCA) is on a mission to save one million lives impacted by addiction and mental health disorders, one person at a time. RCA’s evidence-based care approach features a full continuum of consistent, personalized, inpatient and outpatient services at world-class facilities in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast regions. These programs are designed to support lasting recovery and lifelong healing. RCA admits patients 24/7, accepts most major insurances, and provides transportation, intervention and family support services. RCA is proud to have many of its facilities recognized in Newsweek’s America’s Best Addiction Centers rankings for excellence. For inquiries or admissions, call 888-641-3981 or visit www.recoverycentersofamerica.com.
Recovery Centers of America Opens Third Center in Illinois
New Rolling Meadows outpatient center expands access to life-saving treatment across Chicagoland
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. — Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a top recovery treatment center in the nation, announced today the opening of its third Illinois site in Rolling Meadows, a suburb of the Chicagoland area. Located at 1855 Rohlwing Road, this new outpatient center offers addiction treatment services including group counseling, individual and family support, and medication for addiction treatment. In addition to its two outpatient treatment centers, RCA offers inpatient recovery services on a beautiful campus located in unincorporated St. Charles.
On a mission to save one million lives, the new facility boasts 4,600 square feet with room to support more than 350 patient visits per week. Recovery Center of America’s Outpatient Services in Rolling Meadows, a comfortable and tranquil space, will allow RCA to serve more patients within the community in an outpatient environment.
“The opening of our Rolling Meadows outpatient center represents an important milestone in our mission to provide compassionate, accessible care to individuals and families impacted by addiction,” said Karen Wolownik Albert, chief executive officer at Recovery Centers of America at St. Charles. “By expanding into this community, we can meet people where they are in their recovery journey and offer the support needed to achieve lasting healing.”
Addiction services at the new site will include a full continuum of outpatient care for adults 18 and over: Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and General Outpatient Program (GOP), available in-person and virtually.
“Addiction doesn’t just affect one person; it ripples through families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. The City’s Human Services Department is focused on helping residents overcome a variety of hardships, including addiction, and relies on strong partnerships with community resources to ensure all residents have access to vital services. That’s why the opening of Recovery Centers of America in Rolling Meadows is so meaningful,” said Rolling Meadows Mayor Lara Sanoica. “Not only will RCA provide critical, accessible treatment and lifesaving tools like Narcan, but it will also create stable jobs for our residents, partner with local organizations, and give families the support they need to heal together. We’re proud to welcome RCA to Rolling Meadows, and we look forward to the hope and strength it will bring to our region.”
Recovery Centers of America will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, September 24, from 1-3:30 p.m.
Event Highlights:
- 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. – Food & Networking: Enjoy refreshments and connect with healthcare professionals, community leaders, RCA staff, and clinicians.
- 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. – Welcome & Remarks: Hear from RCA’s President & CEO, Brett Cohen, RCA at St. Charles’ CEO, Karen Wolownik Albert, and Director of Outpatient Services, Kim Sutherland Ragano.
- 2:00 p.m. – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Celebrate the official opening with RCA!
Throughout the afternoon, guests will have the opportunity to explore the new treatment spaces and learn about RCA’s accessible outpatient services, alumni support, and medication-assisted treatment. Interested guests can register at https://extended.recoverycentersofamerica.com/rca-outpatient-services-grand-opening.
Free, confidential screenings are available to individuals seeking help, and RCA encourages those in need, or their loved ones, to reach out and take the first step toward recovery.
For more information, visit the website: https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/locations/st-charles-il/
About Recovery Centers of America
Recovery Centers of America (RCA) is on a mission to save one million lives impacted by addiction and mental health disorders, one person at a time. RCA’s evidence-based care approach features a full continuum of consistent, personalized, inpatient and outpatient services at world-class facilities in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast regions. These programs are designed to support lasting recovery and lifelong healing. RCA admits patients 24/7, accepts most major insurances, and provides transportation, intervention and family support services. RCA is proud to have many of its facilities recognized in Newsweek’s America’s Best Addiction Centers rankings for excellence. For inquiries or admissions, call (331) 901-4225 or visit www.recoverycentersofamerica.com.
