Substance Use Withdrawal Management Program

Information about the Arlington Recovery Center—serving residents of the City of Alexandria, with residential detoxification and supportive services for individuals with addictions.
Page updated on March 13, 2026 at 1:22 PM
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Substance Use Withdrawal Management Program

The City of Alexandria provides residential substance use withdrawal management and recovery services for residents. Often referred to as “detox,” this program supports individuals withdrawing from alcohol and other drugs in a safe, structured setting.

The City of Alexandria partners with Arlington County and National Capital Treatment & Recovery (NCTR) to deliver these services through Arlington Recovery Center (ARC), Phoenix House, and Demeter House. Referrals to these programs are based on an assessment with the Alexandria Residential Treatment Coordinator, who coordinates directly with the programs and assists with linking residents back to Alexandria services after treatment. Admission to any substance use residential treatment program is determined using the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria to ensure the appropriate level of care.

Services at Arlington Recovery Center (ARC) include two levels of care: 

  • Medically Monitored Intensive Inpatient (Withdrawal Management) Services
    • For individuals experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms who require 24-hour, clinically managed residential care.
  • Clinically Managed High-Intensity Residential Services (Short-term inpatient treatment)
    • For individuals seeking a structured residential setting to maintain sobriety, particularly when interpersonal or environmental challenges make recovery difficult.

Both Phoenix House and Demeter House offer short-term inpatient treatment averaging around 30 days.

Services

Arlington Recovery Center (ARC) supports individuals in managing substance use disorders through intensive, individualized treatment designed to meet each person’s unique needs. Services include:

  • Individual and group evidence-based treatment
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol and opioid use disorders, with on-site medication management
  • Development of personalized recovery plans
  • Relapse prevention education and skill-building
  • Connection with Alexandria peer support services
  • Care coordination and referral to Alexandria community-based services upon completion of treatment, in collaboration with a designated liaison.

Eligibility Requirements

 To qualify for services, City of Alexandria residents must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the City of Alexandria
  • Meet diagnostic criteria for a moderate to severe substance use disorder.
  • Be appropriate for and able to benefit from 24-hour residential treatment and support to prevent continued substance use.
  • Be experiencing challenges across multiple areas of functioning (e.g., physical, emotional, behavioral, or social/environmental).
  • Have recent alcohol or substance use with withdrawal symptoms that can be safely managed in a residential setting and do not require hospitalization.
  • Be willing to complete an admission assessment to determine appropriate placement.

Contacts

Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)

For immediate assistance with withdrawal and/or inpatient treatment needs, call the 24/7 Residential Treatment Line at 703.746.3636, call 911, or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

For City of Alexandria residents seeking information about outpatient treatment services and other services, please call Same Day Access at 703.746.3535.

For information about Alexandria Opioid Treatment Program, please call 703.746.3610.

If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 703.746.3401 to reach the Emergency Services team 24/7, walk-in at 4850 Mark Center Dr. (Monday–Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Thursday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.), or call 911.