Choosing to begin treatment for addiction or mental health concerns is a powerful step toward rebuilding your life. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared as you move forward with care.
At The Recovery Village South Atlanta, admission times are scheduled in advance so our care team can give each arriving patient their full attention. Arriving late may result in additional wait time.
For the safety and sobriety of everyone in our facility, all residents must consent to a search of their person and belongings at check-in. During this process, staff will collect any items that are not permitted during treatment and store them securely until your stay is complete. To maintain a safe environment, periodic random searches may also take place throughout your time in the program.
Your time in treatment depends on several factors, including your individualized care plan, how you progress in recovery and the specifics of your insurance coverage. Most clients receiving substance use treatment spend 30–45 days in residential care, with medical detox included when needed. A typical stay may involve:
5–10 days of medical detox, depending on the substance and withdrawal symptoms
12–24 days of inpatient substance use treatment following detox
A total of 45–60 days in treatment when including participation in our PHP program
Clients entering our inpatient mental health program generally stay two to four weeks before stepping down to outpatient services or community-based care.
We strongly encourage every patient to complete their recommended treatment plan. Leaving early can interrupt progress and significantly increase the risk of relapse or overdose. However, participation in treatment is voluntary, and you may choose to leave at any time — including against medical advice — as long as you are not a danger to yourself or others.
Once you’ve decided to begin treatment at one of our facilities, it’s time to prepare for your stay.
To help you feel prepared and focused on healing, we provide a recommended packing list that outlines everything you’ll need during your stay. We ask that all clients limit their belongings to one bag. Any additional items that don’t fit inside a single piece of luggage will be stored securely for the duration of your treatment.
Bring the essential documents needed for identification and continuity of care, including:
A valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
Any required travel documents
Recent medical records or a list of your current healthcare providers
A list of family or emergency contacts
You may need certain financial tools during treatment:
A debit or credit card
A checkbook (optional)
A prepaid Visa gift card — this is the only form of payment staff can use on your behalf
To ensure safe and uninterrupted care:
Bring at least 30 days’ worth of any necessary, non-controlled medications
If you have diabetes, bring a 7-day supply of insulin (30–60 days preferred), plus all diabetic supplies and a doctor’s order
Any essential medical devices, such as CPAP machines, insulin pumps or glucose monitors
Certain electronics are permitted, though usage may be limited:
A cellphone (kept in a locker except during designated access times)
An e-reader without internet capability
Music devices such as an MP3 player or first-generation iPod, along with earbuds or headphones (no Wi-Fi enabled devices)
Pack comfortable, season-appropriate clothing for one week, including:
Tops, pants, shorts, socks and undergarments
Appropriate undergarments for men and women
Sleepwear
A sweater or jacket
Tennis shoes, sandals or flip-flops
Comfortable workout clothing
You may bring personal hygiene products as long as they meet facility guidelines:
Eyeglasses or contact lenses
Hairbrush
Alcohol-free hygiene items (or use the facility-provided options)
Alcohol-free mouthwash
Toiletries in unopened containers (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, face wash, moisturizer, lip balm, etc.)
Feminine hygiene products
Contact lens solution (must be alcohol-free)
Disposable razors and hair styling tools
These items will be securely stored and checked in/out at designated times
If you use tobacco:
All tobacco products must be unopened
Bring enough to last throughout your stay
Cigarette cartons are allowed
You’re welcome to bring a few personal items for leisure or emotional comfort, such as:
Journals or sketchbooks
Adult coloring books and colored pencils
Word puzzles or other small, non-electronic hobbies
Reading material
Basic comfort items are also available onsite.
This list covers the most commonly approved items, but it is not exhaustive. The treatment team has final discretion regarding what is or is not permitted inside the facility.
Any items you bring that are not allowed during treatment will be securely stored and returned to you after discharge.
There are federal protections and workplace policies designed to help employees seek treatment without putting their jobs at risk. Knowing your rights and preparing ahead of time can make it easier to maintain employment while you enter rehab. If you plan to use FMLA to safeguard your job during treatment, it’s best to begin the process early—ideally before you arrive. You’ll need to notify your employer to start the required paperwork, but for privacy reasons, you only have to state that you are receiving medical care.
Our Recovery Advocates are committed to helping you arrive safely and on time for treatment. You may handle your own travel arrangements, or we can assist you in coordinating them. For added convenience, we can also provide transportation to and from local airports, bus stations and train stations to ensure your arrival is as seamless as possible.
Patient rooms at The Recovery Village Atlanta are designed to provide a calm, restorative environment during your stay. Most rooms are shared with one other patient, as this peer connection can be an important source of encouragement and support throughout treatment. In some cases, room assignments may vary based on your level of care or individual clinical needs.”
Our onsite cafeteria provides nutritious, chef-prepared meals to support your physical and mental well-being throughout treatment. Each day, patients can choose from a selection of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and additional snacks are available between meals. To maintain a safe and consistent environment, outside food and snacks are not permitted. If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, please inform us before your arrival so we can make appropriate accommodations.
Patients are encouraged to take an active role in their daily routines by managing their own laundry and maintaining the cleanliness of their rooms. This helps build accountability and independence during treatment. Basic housekeeping support is provided, including trash removal and fresh towel delivery.
To protect the safety, privacy and focus of everyone in treatment, cell phones are collected and securely stored when you arrive. This reduces distractions and helps create a therapeutic environment. After a 72-hour phone-free period, patients may use facility phones during designated times based on their level of care. Personal cell phones are returned once you reach the PHP level, with the exception of group therapy times when all devices must remain put away.
Residents at The Recovery Village Atlanta may participate in scheduled smoke breaks at designated times. The timing and frequency of these breaks depend on your individual treatment plan. If you smoke, please bring enough unopened cigarettes to last for your entire stay. All tobacco products must be brand new and sealed when you arrive. For safety reasons, we do not allow chewing tobacco, loose tobacco, vapes, e-cigarettes, Black & Milds, pipes, cigars, Zyn pouches or nicotine gum. Smoking-cessation options may also be available during your stay.
In accordance with Georgia law, we cannot purchase or supply tobacco products to anyone under 21, and any prohibited items must be confiscated. However, for patients aged 18 or older, our medical team can prescribe approved nicotine-replacement therapies such as patches or lozenges if appropriate.
Rebuilding healthy connections with loved ones is an important part of the healing process. Depending on your clinical needs, family involvement may take place through virtual sessions, long-distance communication or in-person visits. Family engagement sessions are offered when therapeutically appropriate and help determine the best way for loved ones to participate in your recovery. For patients in residential or partial hospitalization care, in-person visitation is held on Sundays from 3:45–5:00 p.m. All visitors must be approved by your therapist, usually after a family session has taken place.
Our Recovery Advocates can answer your questions about our addiction treatment programs and life at The Recovery Village Atlanta.
Let your intake coordinator know you want to speak to a Recovery Advocate when you call.
“Most health insurance plans require some level of out-of-pocket cost in order to use your benefits. These expenses—often referred to collectively as your ‘Patient Responsibility’—can vary widely depending on your plan.
When you arrive, or as soon as you are medically stable, a staff member will review your expected financial responsibility with you. They will explain which portions are due at admission, such as your deductible, and which remaining costs—like co-insurance or outstanding balances—will be billed once services are completed. During your stay, our onsite financial counselors will go over your coverage again and work closely with your case manager, who can also guide you through FMLA paperwork if needed.
We strongly encourage you to contact your insurance provider before admission to understand the details of your specific plan. Some insurance plans may not consider The Recovery Village Atlanta a participating provider, which means you will be responsible for any services not covered by your policy, along with all standard out-of-pocket costs.
It’s time to take the first step. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer questions.
The Recovery Village South Atlanta
1000 Eagles Landing Pkwy Stockbridge, GA 30281
If you have questions about insurance, treatment options, or next steps, our admissions team can answer in minutes.
All calls are confidential.