Table of Contents
Alcohol, Drug, and other Rehab Centers in San Antonio, TX

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Getting Help

What to Consider When Choosing a Rehab Center

When thinking about which rehab programs and treatment options to explore, some good questions you should consider asking are:

There are various factors which will impact your rehab options, such as the severity of your addiction, your financial position, and your unique personal situation.

For more information on how to make all of these decisions, read our guide to Choosing the Right Rehab.

The Best Rehabs in San Antonio, TX

The cost of rehab can be high, depending on your needs and location. Whether or not you have insurance, there are ways for you to get help breaking free of your addiction. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), there are 26 substance abuse treatment centers in the San Antonio area. Many of these organizations are on a mission to provide substance abuse recovery services to residents, regardless of their financial status. Out of these 26 rehabs, Laurel Ridge Treatment Center in San Antonio has received the highest overall scores based on our five core metrics.

Metrics Used to Evaluate Each Rehab

For more information about the five core metrics, head to the full breakdown of our filtering process and ranking methodology

1. Laurel Ridge Treatment Center

Laurel Ridge scored an overall 7.8 out of 10 possible points based on the breadth and depth of its services, programs, and treatment approaches. The center scored high marks for having a multitude of innovative treatment approaches, such as cognitive dialectic behaviorism, which seeks to identify negative thought patterns that can lead to abuse and replace them with more positive habits. It scored an 8.19 for having specific programs that cater to treating substance abuse in certain targeted populations, specifically military personnel, members of the LGBTQ community, and the mentally ill, whose issues with dependency can often have further reaching consequences.

With a wide range of Buprenorphine- and Naltrexone-based treatment and maintenance plans, Laurel Ridge is able to offer more extensive rehabilitation services and diverse treatment settings than the typical inpatient rehab experience. With choices like regular and intensive outpatient programs, as well as combination-setting plans that involve outpatient treatment with partial inpatient hospitalization, clients have many options at their disposal.

Its 34 ancillary services make Laurel Ridge one of the most comprehensive facilities we’ve reviewed. It offers a host of health counseling and prevention services, such as HIV and hepatitis testing, drug intervention services, and counseling services that include domestic violence and family counseling. The facility is privately run, although licensed through the state, and accepts private pay, private and military insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.

  • Rehabilitation Services Provided: 9.23
  • Treatment Approaches: 8
  • Cost: 5
  • Special Programs for Unique Demographics: 8.19
  • Ancillary Services: 8.1

2. Methodist Specialty & Transplant Hospital Inpatient Chemical Dependency Program

Methodist Specialty has a faith-based approach to rehab that is administered by the network’s Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Unit. The program scored an overall 5.1 out of 10 possible points, primarily due to its limited options for rehabilitation services and treatment approaches. While treatment approaches are modeled on the 12-step program, they only include cognitive behavioral therapy and drug counseling. Rehabilitation services scored a 4.26 as the detoxification method is the only available option. Unlike most drug rehab programs we’ve reviewed, it is one of the few that has a strict non-smoking policy.

Treatment settings are the typical inpatient or outpatient variety; however, some clients may be able to partake in outpatient service options that include returning to their own homes at the end of the day, and veterans can take advantage of receiving treatment within a VA hospital. The center scored a 9.45 for having targeted programs aimed at specific demographics, such as the LGBTQ community, military personnel, and older adults.

Additionally, Methodist Specialty offers 30 ancillary services, such as testing and counseling for HIV and hepatitis, community outreach, and counseling for survivors of domestic abuse and their families. The costs for rehab at Methodist scored a 5, being neither extremely expensive or inexpensive, and while all insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare, are accepted along with cash payments, there are no payment assistance or sliding scale options.

  • Rehabilitation Services Provided: 4.26
  • Treatment Approaches: 3
  • Cost: 5
  • Special Programs for Unique Demographics: 9.45
  • Ancillary Services: 7.02

3. Alpha Home

Alpha Home scored 5.1 points out of a possible 10 points and is probably the most unique treatment center that we researched in San Antonio. Two of its three facilities cater to women, with the aim of addressing the unique causes of addiction in women and the specific rehabilitation needs that women often have. The special outpatient programs, which scored a 7.16 for targeted demography, are open to both men and women but are additionally tailored to the requirements of women. The center offers traditional service settings that include inpatient, outpatient, and residential options with additional amenities for visiting families. It only scored a 1.42 out of a possible 10 points for rehabilitation services as it only offers generalized substance abuse treatment without a variety of options.

A variety of innovative treatment approaches are available at Alpha Home, which gave it a high score of 9 points in this category. Most approaches fall into the cognitive behavioral category, with dialectic and rational emotive therapies being offered alongside the more traditional matrix and 12-step models. Alpha Home also employs the more intensive community reinforcement approach, which is believed to have a higher rate of success than other therapies.

All private insurance is accepted, as is Medicaid and Medicare, in addition to private pay and any government funding that can be used for treating substance abuse. Payment assistance is available but specific to each location. Approximately 18 ancillary programs are accessible to clients, ranging from HIV and other STD testing to various forms of counseling. Perhaps the most interesting ancillary program, however, is the transitional housing program serving women who have completed rehab but are in danger of homelessness. The program also provides GED counseling and testing and provides job placement services.

  • Rehabilitation Services Provided: 1.42
  • Treatment Approaches: 9
  • Cost: 4
  • Special Programs for Unique Demographics: 7.16
  • Ancillary Services: 5.13
Top-Rated, Low-Cost Treatment Centers in the San Antonio Area
Rank Rehab Total Score Contact Information
#1 Laurel Ridge Treatment Center 7.8 17720 Corporate Woods Drive San Antonio, TX 78259 Main Tel: 210-491-9400 Intake Tel: 210-491-3591
#2 Methodist Specialty & Transplant Hospital Inpatient Chemical Dependency Program 5.1 8026 Floyd Curl Drive San Antonio, TX 78229 Main Tel: 210-575-8112 Intake Tel: 210-575-0500
#3 Alpha Home 5.1 300 East Mulberry Avenue San Antonio, TX 78212 Main Tel: 210-735-3822 Intake Tel 1: 210-735-3822 x111 Intake Tel 2: 210-735-3822 x118
#4 Alpha Home Residential 4.9 814 Camden Street San Antonio, TX 78215 Main Tel: 210-735-3822 Intake Tel 1: 210-735-3822 x111 Intake Tel 2: 210-735-3822 x118
#5 Alpha Home 4.8 419 East Magnolia Avenue San Antonio, TX 78212 Main Tel: 210-735-3822 Intake Tel 1: 210-735-3822 x111 Intake Tel 2: 210-735-3822 x118
#6 Bluebonnet Trails Recovery 4.1 1104 Jefferson Street Seguin, TX 78155 Main Tel: 512-863-8968
#7 Volunteers of America Texas 3.9 6487 Whitby Road Building 12 San Antonio, TX 78240 Main Tel: 210-558-0731
#8 Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Teddy Buerger Center 3.9 1215 East Court Street Seguin, TX 78155 Main Tel: 830-401-1367
#9 The Best Option LLC 3.7 3700 Fredericksburg Road Suite 137 San Antonio, TX 78201 Main Tel: 210-265-1133
#10 A Turning Point Counseling and Rehab Center 2.8 3201 Cherry Ridge Suite B206-1 San Antonio, TX 78230 Main Tel: 210-764-3700

Finding a Substance Abuse Treatment Center in San Antonio

Start by determining your coverage

Private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare are required by law to cover substance abuse treatment but may be limited by time frames or treatment options, or even facilities, in the case of state-funded insurance like Medicaid. The first step would be to determine what your needs are and then reach out to your insurer to learn what options are available to you in terms of coverage and facility. For a helpful tool to determine if you qualify for low-income Medicaid services, and to determine eligibility, visit hhs.texas.gov.

Use our database to find a treatment center near you

The tool below lists all of the treatment centers in the state of Texas recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Input your zip code and select the filter icon to find relevant rehabs near you.

Schedule an assessment

If you are pursuing treatment that will be covered by insurance, your first step will likely be scheduling an assessment by a qualified individual, such as a therapist or counselor. Most facilities provide assessments, or your primary care provider may be able to refer you. Contact companies in our database above to find out if they will provide this service.

filter button

Type Of Care
Treatment Approaches
Service Setting
Age Groups Accepted
Ancillary Services
Facility Operation
Facility Smoking Policy
Gender Accepted
Language Services
License Certification Accreditation
Payment Assistance Available
Payment Methods and Insurance Accepted
Special Programs Groups Offered

    What to Expect in Rehab

    Addiction treatment is a multifaceted industry, and there are numerous techniques and philosophies. As a result, the science of studying addiction is constantly shifting and improving. However, the core elements of rehabilitation are very similar.

    Description of the Four Steps of the Rehab Process

    For more on what to expect in rehab, read our guide on the addiction rehabilitation process 

    Finding Aftercare in San Antonio

    The rehabilitation process can be a lifelong venture, and without proper aftercare upon release from a rehab facility, the chances of relapse increase. Many different aftercare options provide flexibility to the community, such as follow-up visits for continued therapy, sober living homes, and group therapy. Research shows that long-term participation in aftercare activities dramatically improves the outcome of rehabilitation efforts.

    The 12-step process for recovering from alcohol addiction was created by Alcoholics Anonymous, a nationwide addiction support group. Today, there are many other resources that follow a similar path, including NA, or Narcotics Anonymous, for those struggling with drug addictions.

    Basics of a 12 step meeting

    Contact the appropriate local organization to find an AA or NA meeting near you

    See our directory tool below to find local organizations that can help you find your local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) group meetings. Meeting times and locations change periodically; it is best to call ahead to ensure the online information is accurate.

    Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Database

    Name City Program Telephone Spanish Hotline

    Sober Living Homes

    Sober living homes, or recovery residences, encourage independence while helping residents maintain their sobriety and evolve from recovering addicts into functional members of society. The supportive and positive environment is particularly helpful to addiction recovery, and residents’ recovery efforts benefit from the community that has a no-tolerance policy towards drugs and alcohol. Research reveals that people who integrate into a community that incentivizes productivity, in particular, the cultivation of skills like those that could be used to find stable employment and build healthy relationships, encourages those persons to focus on building a life outside of their addiction and break free of the cycle of substance abuse.

    People in sober living homes are expected to care for their residence as if they were renting, and so both chores and rent costs are often assigned to residents. Support groups in each home are based upon house principles, and attendance is often mandatory. Residents are typically welcome to stay from a few months to as long as several years, given they follow all rules and don’t relapse as these homes usually have zero-tolerance policies regarding drug use.

    You can locate halfway houses in San Antonio by checking our database, or you can select the appropriate filter from our tool above. Alternatively, you can refer to our guide on sober living homes and learn more about them, as well as search for a certified recovery residence in your area.

    Substance Abuse in San Antonio

    Methamphetamine abuse is a serious and growing problem in San Antonio

    12%

    of methamphetamine overdose deaths in San Antonio, 2015

    23%

    of methamphetamine overdose deaths in San Antonio, 2016

    As of 2016, methamphetamine abuse has escalated in Bexar County based on data from the Bexar Medical Examiner’s Office. Overdose deaths attributed solely to methamphetamines rose from 12% in 2015 to 23% in 2016, while overdose deaths from heroin fell from 21% in 2015 to 16% in 2016. Polydrug overdose deaths – classified as a cocktail of cocaine, methamphetamine and/or heroin – decreased from 15% in 2015 to 11% in 2016.

    Drug and alcohol-related deaths account for a significant number of all deaths in Bexar County

    11.8%

    Bexar County deaths caused by drugs and alcohol

    12.8%

    U.S. deaths caused by drugs and alcohol

    Between 2008 and 2017, there were 136,358 deaths in Bexar County. Of those deaths, 11.8%, or 16,117, were attributed to drugs or alcohol. By comparison, overdose deaths in the United States between 2008 and 2017 constituted 12.8% of all deaths, and, while not much higher than the figure in Bexar County, the county’s population accounts for less than one percent of the overall U.S. population, and thus creates cause for alarm.

    Drug and Alcohol-Induced Deaths Between 2008 and 2017
    0-17 18+ All Ages
    Drug-Induced Deaths in Bexar County 30 13,247 13,278
    Alcohol-Induced Deaths in Bexar County 5 2,834 2,839
    Total Deaths in Bexar County 2,553 133,796 136,358
    Percentage of Drug & Alcohol-Induced Deaths in Bexar County 1.37% 12.02% 11.8%

    Source: CDC Wonder

    Key Indicators of Substance Abuse

    Substance abuse and its causes may not always be obvious to the casual observer, but by looking at some of the effects of substance abuse, we can gain a clearer picture of where substance abuse is prevalent Bexar County, as well as other indicators related to substance abuse. We locate statistics from areas such as homeless surveys, traffic accidents, and suicide rates across the city that give a broader view of the substance abuse issues and impact in San Antonio.

    Bexar County’s proximity to the Mexican border correlates illicit drug use with HIV/AIDS prevalence

    The location of Bexar County makes it a high-intensity drug trafficking area (HIDTA), meaning it is exposed to trafficking and distribution of large quantities of methamphetamines, cocaine, and heroin. This ease of access to illicit drugs in the San Antonio area has established a long-standing relationship between intravenous drug use and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. In 2017, Bexar County was ranked the third-highest county in the state of Texas for new HIV diagnoses, residents living with HIV+ status, and residents living with AIDS.

    HIV/AIDS Prevalence and Intravenous Drug Use (IDU) in the San Antonio Area, 2012-2016
    Year HIV/AIDS Cases Rate Per 100,000 Cases with IDU as Mode of Exposure
    2012 5,533 236 598
    2013 5,857 245 599
    2014 6,088 249 601
    2015 6,363 255 599
    2016 6,600 260 605
    Percentage Change +19.28% +10.17% +1.17%

    Most child abuse and neglect cases in San Antonio and Texas have substance abuse elements

    The Texas Department of Protective and Family Services noted in its 2017 Child Maltreatment Fatalities and Near Fatalities Annual Report that substance abuse, in addition to domestic violence and mental illness, is a primary factor in child abuse and neglect cases. In 2017, the San Antonio area had the second highest number of child abuse and neglect victims in the state, with 50.7 victims for every 1,000 children. This number was a 9.3% increase from the 46.4 victims in 2016.

    7.92%

    Confirmed child abuse victims per 1,000 children in Texas, 2016

    9.28%

    Confirmed child abuse victims per 1,000 children in San Antonio, 2016

    State statistics also revealed child abuse and other acts of family violence to be significantly higher in the San Antonio region than in surrounding areas and Texas as a whole. In 2016, the San Antonio region had 9.28 confirmed victims of child abuse per 1,000 children compared to 7.92 confirmed victims per 1,000 children in all of Texas, amounting to 12% of the state’s total reported child maltreatment cases. The San Antonio region also accounted for 19% of all acts of family violence in the state in 2015.

    Bexar County has the highest incidence of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in Texas

    According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a baby is born addicted to opioids every fifteen minutes. A consequence of being exposed to drugs in utero is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), which is characterized by withdrawal symptoms that range from excessive crying to seizures to sleep disturbances. In the United States, the incidence of babies born with NAS increased from 8.2 per 1,000 Medicaid hospital births in 2010, to 14.4 in 2014, a growth of 75.6%. Similarly, Texas witnessed a 51.3% rise in substance-addicted Medicaid births between 2010 and 2014.

    According to the 2018 City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District report “Public Health: Responding to the Opioid Epidemic,” a third of all Medicaid newborns afflicted with NAS in Texas were born in Bexar County, making it the county reporting the highest rate of NAS within the state. As Texas only counts Medicaid live births, it’s believed that the overall number of live births affected by NAS may be much higher.

    Furthermore, Bexar County consistently reported the highest incidences of Medicaid live births suffering from NAS among all Texas counties from 2011 to 2015. NAS rates in the county declined in 2013 and 2014 but rose again in 2015, coinciding with a spike in opioid and methamphetamine use.

    Texas Counties with the Highest Rates of Medicaid Live Births with NAS, 2011-2015
    Year Bexar County Dallas County Tarrant County Harris County Nueces County
    2011 32% 9% 9% 12% 5%
    2012 33% 12% 10% 13% 4%
    2013 30% 14% 10% 9% 5%
    2014 26% 14% 9% 7% 7%
    2015 29% 13% 10% 6% 5%

    Take Action

    There are multiple resources in San Antonio and the surrounding area for those persons struggling with substance dependency. Use our tool to discover a rehabilitation center near you that can assist in determining your insurance coverage and rehab needs. Many low-cost centers can help if you don’t have insurance or are concerned that you cannot afford treatment.