Alabama is taking a major step toward closing one of its most persistent addiction care gaps.
Shelby County is set to get its first inpatient substance use and mental health treatment center, a development that advocates say could reshape how people across the state access addiction treatment.
For the many Alabama residents who have struggled to find addiction treatment centers nearby, this news marks a turning point.
A Long-Standing Gap in Alabama Addiction Care
For years, Alabamians in crisis have faced a painful reality: not enough beds, not enough time. The 2022–2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 19 percent of Alabamians aged 12 and older need substance use treatment, but only about 5 percent are actually receiving it.
The reason often comes down to access. Kim Boswell, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, emphasized that when people are ready to enter treatment, they frequently face wait times of up to 30 days to get into detox programs.
Those waiting periods often lead people to give up on getting help entirely. State mental health leaders said limited inpatient treatment rooms has contributed to long wait times and, in some cases, forced people to travel out of state or go without care.
While 59 of Alabama’s 67 counties currently offer some form of substance use disorder services, access to inpatient treatment remains scarce in many areas.
Longleaf Lodge Will Add 60 New Beds in Shelby County
Longleaf Recovery and Wellness plans to open Longleaf Lodge, a new residential facility aimed at expanding access to behavioral health care in Alabama.
The Shelby County facility will add 50 residential beds and 10 detox beds. The organization already operates outpatient centers in Baldwin County, Huntsville, and Birmingham.
For the CEO behind the project, the mission is deeply personal. Colin Harris, founder and CEO of Longleaf Recovery and Wellness, shared that when he and his family tried to navigate the treatment world many years ago, options were very limited and he eventually had to go out of state.
What Makes Longleaf Lodge Different
This facility isn’t just adding beds. Officials said Longleaf Lodge will integrate substance use treatment and mental health care under one roof, allowing providers to treat co-occurring conditions at the same time.
Many people struggling with addiction also live with depression, anxiety disorder, PTSD, or other mental health conditions, treating both simultaneously leads to better outcomes.
State leaders noted that the goal is to expand access so people can receive treatment closer to home, particularly during critical periods when medical supervision is needed for safe detox and stabilization.
Understanding Substance Use Disorder and Signs of Addiction
Substance use disorder is a medical condition in which a person is unable to control their use of drugs or alcohol despite harmful consequences.
It affects the brain’s reward, motivation and memory systems, making it extremely difficult to stop without professional help. Common signs of addiction include:
- Inability to cut back or stop using despite wanting to
- Continued use even when it causes problems at work, home, or in relationships
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using (sweating, shaking, nausea, anxiety)
- Needing more of a substance to get the same effect
- Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from substances
- Giving up activities once enjoyed in favor of using
If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, reaching out to addiction treatment centers near you is a critical first step.
Finding Addiction Treatment Centers in Alabama
The opening of Longleaf Lodge in Sterrett is encouraging news, but many Alabamians need help right now. If you or someone you love is showing signs of addiction, you don’t have to wait for a new facility to open.
Addictions.com provides a list of verified rehab centers across Alabama. Call
800-681-1058
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