Alcohol withdrawal can have many different side effects that impact your body. One side effect of alcohol withdrawal is changes to blood pressure.
This article will highlight the impact alcohol withdrawal can have on blood pressure, both high and low.
You will learn the signs and symptoms to look for, as well as how to monitor yourself in a safe manner from home. This article will also help you seek professional help for alcohol use if needed.
Key Facts
The following are key points or facts to take away from this article:
- Alcohol and Blood: How alcohol use impacts your blood pressure
- How to stay safe during withdrawal and when to seek emergency care
- Timeline of quitting and the benefits you’ll notice with your blood pressure
- Managing your blood pressure during long term recovery
- How to find a treatment center near you
Nearby Alcohol Rehab Centers
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Alcohol Withdrawal & Blood Pressure: The Essentials
Can Alcohol Raise Your Blood Pressure?
The short answer is yes; alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Those with cardiovascular disease or other health conditions may experience larger impacts on their blood pressure even with moderate alcohol use.
Chronic or heavy use of alcohol can lead to a risk of developing hypertension. If you have health concerns such as diabetes or a history of strokes, you may be more sensitive to the impact of alcohol on your blood pressure.
This can cause your blood pressure to rise when consuming moderate or heavy amounts of alcohol.
Does Alcohol Lower Your Blood Pressure?
Drinking alcohol can lead to increased blood flow, which can cause a temporary and short lived decrease in blood pressure, which is known as post drink vasodilation. This happens almost immediately as you start to consume alcohol.
Over time, this can be harmful for continued blood pressure control due to fluctuations between highs and lows.
It is also not considered a viable option or strategy for lowering your blood pressure because these fluctuations are only temporary.
Why Withdrawal Can Spike Blood Pressure
One of the dangerous side effects of withdrawing from alcohol is the spike in blood pressure.
Your body is going through autonomic hyperactivity during the early stages of withdrawal, which causes elevated blood pressure, a racing heart rate and anxiety. Withdrawal related hypertension is usually transient but can be dangerous.
In addition to withdrawal, other triggers can cause elevated blood pressure, including dehydration, poor sleep, pain, caffeine and nicotine.
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Safety During Withdrawal (What to do, When to Get Help)
Danger Signs & When to Seek Urgent Care
Withdrawing can be scary to experience. You should speak with a trained professional before you start the withdrawal process. It is important to understand danger signs and know when to seek medical care.
Some red flags include severe headache, chest pain, vision changes, confusion, seizures and a blood pressure of ≥180/120. It is equally important to monitor symptoms of hypertension because they can lead to a heart attack.
Some of these symptoms can mirror signs of withdrawal, but hypertension can cause additional concerns, such as nose bleeds, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue and palpitations.
Another major condition that can result from acute alcohol withdrawal is the risk of developing delirium tremens, also known as DTs. This causes body shakes or tremors, symptoms of psychosis and disorientation.
If you notice symptoms of hypertension or delirium tremens, call 911 or access emergency care as soon as possible.
Home Monitoring & Safety Plan (Including When Detox is Needed)
If you are monitoring your detox or withdrawal symptoms from home, it is important to check your blood pressure correctly. Make sure you are seated with your back supported and use the right size cuff.
It is important to log it twice a day in a journal or in the notes app on your smartphone.
Additionally, it is important to avoid caffeine and nicotine for at least 30-60 minutes prior.
If you have a history of severe withdrawal, high baseline blood pressure, limited support or major comorbidities, you might need to receive medical detox to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
Home detox should only be performed after speaking with a trained professional to determine if it is safe and to create a withdrawal plan.
Timeline: Blood Pressure During & After Quitting Alcohol
First 72 Hours: What BP Swings to Expect
The first 72 hours are known as the peak withdrawal window. You could experience fluctuating blood pressure, tremors, anxiety and insomnia. These symptoms typically occur 24-72 hours after you quit drinking. During this phase, it is important to stay hydrated, rest and have scheduled checks to monitor your blood pressure.
If your blood pressure readings are abnormal or your symptoms worsen, seek medical care. Consider having a friend or family member stay with you during this period to help monitor symptoms and help you seek emergency care if needed.
Blood Pressure After Quitting Alcohol (Week 1–4 and Beyond)
Many people notice improvements in blood pressure within the first week and start to feel their symptoms getting better, though responses will vary. If you are a heavy drinker, improvements are typically seen within 2-4 weeks.
Beyond the stabilization phase, there is an advantage to abstaining from alcohol use. Not only does it help with blood pressure reduction, but it can also help with any cardiovascular risks that you might experience.
It is important to remember that abstinence is the best option for blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.
Does Quitting Alcohol Lower Blood Pressure?
What the Evidence Shows & How Long it Takes
Reducing or stopping alcohol use lowers blood pressure in a dose dependent manner. If you stop drinking altogether, you might notice a lower blood pressure faster than someone who reduces their drinking.
However, the biggest effect has been shown in those with heavy use. Many people will see improvements within weeks. Assessment of your blood pressure should be done at different times each day to ensure an accurate average of what your blood pressure is.
What Affects Your Results
Several factors can influence your blood pressure, especially in alcohol withdrawal. It is important to gather a baseline reading before starting the withdrawal process to adequately monitor for changes.
Other factors that can impact your blood pressure include your sodium intake, weight, medication usage, sleep quality and your level of physical activity.
It is important to coordinate with a medical prescriber to make any medication adjustments that might be needed as blood pressure readings improve.
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Long Term BP Management in Recovery
The Lifestyle Stack + Follow-Up Plan
In addition to abstaining from alcohol use, lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on your blood pressure and your overall health.
For example:
- Try different eating habits, such as the DASH method. This includes eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods and lean protein.
- This method of eating has been known to lower blood pressure and improve overall health.
- Try engaging in aerobics, resistance or other forms of physical activity.
- You might also want to set healthy weight goals for yourself.
- Limit your sodium intake to <1,500-2,300 mg/day.
- Continue to abstain from alcohol use or have medically appropriate limits.
- Schedule follow ups with your medical providers and continue with your at home blood pressure logs.
Alcohol & Blood Pressure FAQs
Yes, alcohol use can raise your blood pressure. This happens due to sympathetic stimulation. It is also connected to vascular and hormonal changes. There are more risks associated with higher levels of alcohol use.
It is best to limit or avoid alcohol use altogether for ultimate blood pressure control. If you have other health issues in addition to blood pressure problems, using alcohol can make them worse.
It can lower your blood pressure, but it is only for a moment after a drink.
This is not a safe or recommended method of lowering blood pressure. Long term use of alcohol can raise your blood pressure and put you at risk of developing other medical issues. Drinking alcohol to lower blood pressure is not a recommended strategy for the treatment of hypertension.
Within the first week, many will start to notice a difference.
However, most people, especially those with heavy alcohol use, will start to notice a change within 2-4 weeks. To help keep track of your progress, it is considered best practice to keep a log and share patterns with your clinician to help guide medication decisions.
Oftentimes, your blood pressure will improve when you stop drinking.
If you take any blood pressure medications, it is important to have your blood pressure monitored for changes and have a medical provider evaluate your condition before making any dose adjustments. Never change your medications without first consulting with your doctor.
Find Treatment Near You
If you are dealing with an alcohol use disorder, you might want to consider treatment. You can find treatment centers at Rehab.com that best fit your needs.
There, you can investigate:
- Programs that is in your desired location.
- Programs with your needed level of care.
- Programs with any special programs that you might be interested in.
Always check with a trained healthcare professional before attempting at home detox, depending on your circumstances, a supervised medical detox may be necessary.
Not sure where to start? Call
800-985-8516
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Top Rated Centers for Alcohol Addiction Treatment
| Name / Address / Rating | Description | Treatments / Payments / Programs | Review / Contact | Images | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boca Recovery Center – Bloomington Alcohol & Drug RehabAd This is an ad and Boca Recovery Center – Bloomington Alcohol & Drug Rehab is a paid advertiser. Paid advertisers may be listed first in search results. This ad may contain content provided by the advertiser. Rehab.com does not verify ad content or any reviews that are displayed. Learn More Bloomington, IN | The Boca Recovery Center is a luxury alcohol and drug rehab center for adults in Bloomington, Indiana. They specialize in cutting edge addiction treatment provided in a residential setting. One unique part of this alcohol and drug rehab in Indiana is the peaceful, secluded setting. If recovering in a clinical hospital setting doesn’t sound very a | Treatments Programs Payment Options  Drug Addiction Alcoholism Opioid Addiction Dual Diagnosis Mental Health and Substance Abuse Substance Abuse  Adult Program Young Adult Program Seniors Program LGBTQ Program Military Program  Private Insurance Self-Pay Options Military Insurance Financial Aid | View Website (930) 203-1400 | 
This place damn near saved my life. Staff is amazing and care almost on a personal level. Nurses are knowledgeable and groups are interactive informative and inclusive.
Edit*
Shout out to Beth, Nora and Carter! Made a great impact on my recovery!
V Montez
1 week ago
I learned a lot from this place. They’re really good at bringing everything out that you need to say in under to recovery. Thanks for everything. You guys have changed my life
Megan Tipton
2 weeks ago
Boca recovery was a magical experience during a very difficult time that will always hold a special place in my heart. From top to bottom, the support of staff is second to none.
Tyler and Carrie, Carter, Alexx, Ashley, Brooke, Michelle, Meagan, and the rest of the techs are phenomenal. My therapist January opened my eyes to perspectives I had been missing my entire life and Justin the case manager worked tirelessly from the start all the way until his wife gave birth on my last day to make sure I was set up for success.
The nurses are amazing and the medical attention someone needs during this portion of their recovery is 110% offered around the clock.
The place has everything you need from a gym to recreational activities, spacious beds with luxury amenities. And one cannot go without mentioning the chef, Tim. You won’t find better “rehab food” and conversation.
I owe a thank you to the director John for his efforts to get me into a great program after my stay was over.
To anyone struggling with with mental health and/or addiction, I cannot shout praises loud enough for what this program has to offer each and every client that walks through those doors.
If you want a way out, there’s no better place to check in.
Alex K
1 month ago
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6 6 
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1
Top 10 Rehab in AZ
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.90 / 10 | Soberman’s Estate, located in Cave Creek, Arizona, is an alcohol and drug rehab center that provides addiction treatment services to adult men, professionals, and public figures. They are a discrete, luxury rehab for individuals aged 30 to 80 years old. This location caps their treatment center at ten men at a time. As one of leading inpatient re | Treatments Programs Payment Options Mental HealthSubstance AbuseAlcoholismOpioid AddictionMental Health And Substance Abuse Adult ProgramYoung Adult Program Program For Men Private InsuranceSelf-Pay OptionsFinancial Aid Sliding Scale Payment Assistance Medicaid Medicare | 
Soberman’s Estate was everything I needed for my recovery. The staff, the program, physical activity and culinary experience were top notch and essential. The program is well designed and worked better than I expected. The staff is remarkable – professional, considerate and genuinely caring. My time there and being removed from alcohol for five weeks was everything I needed to remove my craving for alcohol. Soberman has changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. I feel confident, secure and grateful for my new life. I have reconnected with my family and friends. Thank you Soberman.
George B.
3 months ago
Yes, very professional staff, treatment, therapist, chefs were good! even the home cook did the best she could, and loved the horses of Course! Saturday morning hiking was fun to explore the trails of the nearby mountain area!
John E Williams
4 months ago
I had a great experience overall and would recommend it to anyone wanted to jump start their sobriety!!
Kevin Crawford
4 months ago
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5 5 
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1
Top 10 Rehab in CA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.81 / 10  Claimed | All In Solutions Detox in Simi Valley is one of the best ranked inpatient detox facilities in California providing safe, medically supervised care for individuals beginning their recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. As part of the All In Solutions Behavioral Health network, this facility serves as the first step in a full continuum of care. Cli | Treatments Programs Payment Options AlcoholismDrug AddictionMental Health And Substance AbuseOpioid AddictionSubstance AbuseDual Diagnosis Adult ProgramYoung Adult ProgramProgram For Men Program For Women Private InsuranceSelf-Pay Options | 
I had an amazing experience and really enjoyed getting to know the staff and my fellow peers in groups. The staff really cares about your recovery and you will feel better every day. The food is good too lol.
Desiree
1 week ago
I loved it here it was a great place to be would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to get sober thank yall!
Kyle Robinson
1 week ago
i owe it all to this place. 100% recommend if you’re serious about your recovery. thanks AIS ❤️
maddy chacos
1 week ago
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5 5 
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1
Top 10 Rehab in TX
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.80 / 10 | Symetria – Hurst Outpatient Rehab and Suboxone Clinic in Hurst, Texas, is a private drug rehabilitation clinic for adults. One of the best outpatient rehab centers in Texas, Symetria offers various withdrawal medications to help clients get started with their recovery journey. You’ll also have access to treatments such as the intensive outp | Treatments Programs Payment Options Substance AbuseAlcoholismOpioid Addiction Adult ProgramYoung Adult Program Private InsuranceSelf-Pay OptionsMedicareMilitary Insurance | 
Symetria is unbelievably amazing!!! The Hurst staff is phenomenal!!! I can’t imagine that another location has a better staff. A special shout out to Deborah, Benjamin, and Samantha of course. You all are doing amazing, amazing, selfless work. You all are very special to so many!!!
Vernon Godsey III
3 months ago
Huge shout out to the team at symetria who make me feel like family I appreciate everything they do and huge shout out to Osagie for helping me! He is AWESOME!!! I love you symetria❤️❤️❤️
Chloe Roseman
4 months ago
BEST PLACE EVER. I have tried various other doctors/clinics and none of them even begin to compare to this one. The staff here is absolutely amazing. I can’t even make a single complaint. Dr Son is the best as well. He explains everything and you truly feel like he understands you. I can proudly say this, this place saved my life. If you or someone you know needs help getting off opiates do it right the first time and come here. You won’t be disappointed. If you are specifically struggling with fentanyl please don’t waste your time with other ways. I have tried 6 other methods from lazer therapy to having the earpiece to suboxone. Methadone is the key to our current fentanyl crisis. This clinic makes recovery possible again!
Mason
4 months ago
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5 5 
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Avenues Recovery Center at ClarksvilleAd This is an ad and Avenues Recovery Center at Clarksville is a paid advertiser. Paid advertisers may be listed first in search results. This ad may contain content provided by the advertiser. Rehab.com does not verify ad content or any reviews that are displayed. Learn More Clarksville, IN Claimed | Avenues Recovery Center in Clarksville, Indiana, is an inpatient drug and alcohol detox and rehab center. They strive to provide individuals receiving treatment with a loving environment and attentive medical care. You’ll be away from toxic environments and triggers and have the opportunity to focus on developing life skills that will support you | Treatments Programs Payment Options AlcoholismMental Health And Substance AbuseDrug AddictionOpioid AddictionSubstance AbuseDual DiagnosisMental Health Adult ProgramYoung Adult ProgramLGBTQ ProgramMilitary Program Private InsuranceSelf-Pay OptionsMedicaidMilitary Insurance | View Website (930) 203-1947 | 
I highly recommend Avenues. The staff is absolutely amazing and very helpful. They treat you like family. Star, Jenny, Tarah, Paige, Monica, and both Amanda’s really helped me through.
Dana Key
3 weeks ago
It was a great experience great people thank you .
Jessica Fulkerson
3 weeks ago
This facility has been life saving. I am so grateful to be able to have gotten the help they had offered.
Nikki
3 weeks ago
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4 
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Top 10 Rehab in FL
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.80 / 10 Claimed | All In Solutions Counseling Center is a mental health center and addiction treatment program in Boynton Beach, Florida. They provide a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program (IOP), an outpatient program, medication-assisted treatment, and mental health care for adults with substance use disorder. All In Solutions Counseli | Treatments Programs Payment Options AlcoholismDrug AddictionOpioid AddictionSubstance AbuseDual DiagnosisMental Health And Substance Abuse Adult ProgramYoung Adult ProgramProgram For MenProgram For Women Self-Pay OptionsPrivate insurance | 
The staff were amazing. Can really tell the people care about you. Amazing people who have lived through the experience and recovery they are trying to show all of us. Can’t recommend it enough.
Tyler
1 week ago
such a good facility. love all the staff! nicole is an awesome therapist!
Sydney Shaw
1 week ago
All In Solutions received me with open arms for the second time. The staff make sure you receive a high quality care treatment. I’m grateful for the love and care . God continue to bless everyone.Thank you for you do .
Jianil Richiez
3 weeks ago
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1
Top 10 Rehab in NJ
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.80 / 10 Claimed | Boca Recovery Center – Galloway is a drug and alcohol rehab in Galloway, NJ. They provide inpatient addiction treatment and medical detox. Boca Recovery’s New Jersey Drug & Alcohol Rehab, located in Galloway, New Jersey offers residential addiction treatment, medical detox, and medication-assisted treatment in an immersive treatment s | Treatments Programs Payment Options Mental Health and Substance AbuseDrug AddictionAlcoholismOpioid AddictionDual DiagnosisSubstance Abuse Adult ProgramYoung Adult ProgramProgram For MenProgram For WomenSeniors ProgramLGBTQ ProgramMilitary Program Private InsuranceSelf-Pay OptionsMilitary InsuranceFinancial Aid | 
My sobriety journey started at Boca. The staff members including Miss Tracey, Hannah and Kevin their alumni coordinator have completely flipped the trajectory of my life. I was immediately taken in with open caring arms and they made my detox process as comfortable as possible. During my stay, Joe was extremely helpful in helping me slowly gain my appetite back and start to feel stronger and was so attentive to my nutritional health. Nurse Patrick was so kind to me during my intake and Kevin still reaches out to me very often to check in and is so helpful in my recovery process. I owe gaining my life, my strength and my family back to Boca and I am eternally grateful❤️
Rianna Dean
1 month ago
Great facility with even greater staff. One of the best rehab/detox in South, NJ.
Donna Kratzer
1 month ago
Very comfortable stay
Will
1 month ago
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7 7 
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1
Top 10 Rehab in TN
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.77 / 10 | If you’re looking for a Christian-based men’s drug rehab center, S2L Recovery in Woodbury, Tennessee, might be the place for you or your loved one. Located at the top of Short Mountain, and overlooking the green hills of Middle Tennessee, this residential and detox clinic boasts a one-to-one staff/patient ratio so there’ll always be someone t | Treatments Programs Payment Options AlcoholismDrug AddictionOpioid AddictionSubstance AbuseDual Diagnosis Adult ProgramYoung Adult ProgramProgram For Men Private InsuranceSelf-Pay Options | 
Coming from Canada, I was hesitant. But God knew that S2L was exactly where I needed to be. At 64 years of age, I was able to discover my true identity, purpose, and mission in Christ. They help you in trying to get clean and sober for sure. But what S2L and the staff are all about is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s why it is so successful.
TIM TANNER
4 months ago
I’ve had the privilege of seeing the life-changing impact this ministry has on countless men & I can’t recommend it highly enough! God has His Hand on this ministry & I’m honored to see the Lord work in these men!
Hunter Stanfield
4 months ago
Come here with a open mind and heart. It can and WILL change your life in all ways. Trust the process and trust God! Could go on and on about how amazing this place, I’ll forever be grateful!
Trevor Woodard
4 months ago
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6 6 
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1
Top 10 Rehab in PA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.76 / 10 | The Steps To Recovery addiction treatment center is situated in Levittown, Pennsylvania. At this drug rehab center, patients can expect to engage in a unique treatment approach that focuses on helping individuals recover through authenticity, intimacy, community connection, and transparency. Steps to Recovery offers a serene and private environ | Treatments Programs Payment Options AlcoholismDrug AddictionDual DiagnosisMental Health and Substance AbuseOpioid AddictionMental Health Adult ProgramLGBTQ ProgramYoung Adult ProgramMilitary Program Self-Pay Options MonthlyPrivate Insurance | 
Good place, great housing
Nicole Rivera
2 months ago
Amazing support network and great staff lovely time with my stay at STR buck
William Perry
3 months ago
My experience at Steps to Recovery has been great for the most part, the people and the environment are very welcoming and comforting. I have had some issues that have come up, but they usually get resolved. My only main gripe is with some of the other clients at the community living house fail to clean up after themselves, and some do not know self control. But, the staff here is very professional and easy to talk to. I find that the opportunities here for my recovery journey are pretty good, although I’d like access to more holistic therapy resources. I’ve actually personally facilitated a Dharma meeting and will facilitate more in the future. I appreciate my time here at STR and am excited for the future with them.
Jerry Davis
3 months ago
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2
Top 10 Rehab in CA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.76 / 10 Claimed | Located in Watsonville, California, Elevate Addiction Services provides alcohol and drug rehab services to men and women suffering from addiction. Their levels of care include detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment. One of the best ranked Outpatient treatment centers in California, Elevate Addiction Services provides a wide continuum | Treatments Programs Payment Options AlcoholismDrug AddictionOpioid AddictionSubstance Abuse Adult ProgramYoung Adult ProgramLGBTQ Program Self-Pay OptionsPrivate insuranceMilitary InsurancePrivate Insurance Financing | 
Elevate was an awesome experience. I learned a lot about myself and I now have the tools for long term sobriety
Colin Yan
6 days ago
Elevate has been a life changing experience. The staff is very professional and compassionate. The community of clients is very special and the morale is unlike anywhere else. I would highly highly recommend Elevate Addiction Services to anyone struggling with addiction. From detox to the very end of your stay you are well taken care of.
Travis Boe
6 days ago
I have been through other treatment facilities in the past; but Elevate has by far been the best experience I could’ve hoped for. Recovery isn’t just the ability to abstain from substances, but the capability of transforming from within. Not only has Elevate help me appreciate the things within me but everything around me as well. Thank you, Elevate for changing the trajectory of my life and my marriage!!
Michael Amodeo
1 month ago
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