IAFF Center of Excellence

About IAFF Center of Excellence – Upper Marlboro

IAFF Center of Excellence is located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland just 30 minutes outside of Washington, D.C. This specialized recovery center was created through a partnership between Advanced Recovery Systems and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). You can access integrated behavioral health treatment including addiction care.

Their Joint Commission accredited facility offers a full continuum of care for dispatchers, first responders and firefighters. You can participate in whole person approaches like recreational therapy, medical support and mental health counseling. You’ll benefit from diving deep into the contributing factors of mental health and substance use disorders. Their dedicated team is there to offer unwavering support and help you build essential skills to sustain recovery.

What stands out most to me is their impressive campus. With 15 acres of nature and open space, you’ll have the ideal environment to hone in on recovery. In your downtime, you can enjoy nutritious meals, walking trails, a fitness center, a pool, pickleball, volleyball, video games and much more. They offer a secure space to relax and reflect while healing your mind, body and soul.

Another great feature that caught my eye was their holistic approach. They provide experiential therapies, like yoga and equine therapy to help you reduce stress and connect with others and your inner self. You’ll also benefit from traditional approaches to gain coping skills. That way, you’ll leave treatment with a clear path for healing and growth.

Lastly, their alumni aftercare services also stood out. Throughout your stay you’ll connect with others on similar paths who understand your unique experiences. They ensure you can keep in touch with your recovery network. You can remain in contact with one of their research assistants for up to 18 months after treatment.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

Aftercare Support

Completing a drug or alcohol rehab program shouldn't spell the end of substance abuse treatment. Aftercare involves making a sustainable plan for recovery, including ongoing support. This can include sober living arrangements like halfway houses, career counseling, and setting a patient up with community programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

Inpatient

Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.

Intensive Outpatient

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.

Medically Assisted Detox

Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal.

Outpatient

Outpatient Programs (OP) are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. The main difference between outpatient treatment (OP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) lies in the amount of hours the patient spends at the facility. Most of the time an outpatient program is designed for someone who has completed an inpatient stay and is looking to continue their growth in recovery. Outpatient is not meant to be the starting point, it is commonly referred to as aftercare.

Partial Hospitalization Program

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.

Treatments

Alcoholism Drug Addiction Mental Health Mental Health and Substance Abuse Opioid Addiction Substance Abuse

Programs

Adult Program

Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.

Military Program

Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Young Adult Program

Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.

Staff

Dr.Mitchell Eisenberg, MD

CEO

Dr.Lewis Gold, MD

Chairman of ther Board

Josh Gold

Co-COO

Brian Geraghty

CFO

Anthony Katz

VP of Human Resources

Hunter Mefford

Co-COO

Nanci Stockwell

Senior VP of Operations

Dr.Kevin Wandler, MD

Chief Medical Officer

Nicole Cosra

Chief Clinical Officer

Samuel Winikoff

Chief Legal Officer

Mandy Seymour

Chief Nursing Officer

Marta Nelson

Chief Compliance Officer

Accreditations

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