AARS named to Newsweek’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2025

In recent years, Alaska has faced significant challenges with Substance Use Disorder and drug-related deaths, with Alaska consistently been among the states with the highest rates of illicit drug use over the past 20 years. Provisional data from the CDC indicates that Alaska had the second-highest drug overdose death rate in the nation as of April 2024, Stateline reports.

Alaska has also faced consistently high rates of unmet treatment needs for Substance Use Disorders (SUD), with one study revealing that Alaska had the second highest percentage of adults with unmet needs for drug treatment. Factors such as the state’s vast and often remote regions pose challenges to accessing healthcare and addiction treatment services.

According to Addicted.org, an estimated 3,087 individuals are treated annually in Alaska. These numbers highlight the ongoing need for SUD treatment in Alaska, as addiction and substance misuse remain significant public health concerns.

The Mat-Su Borough has been highly visible in addressing the needs for substance use treatment, and now one treatment center is receiving national recognition for their work.

Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Inc (AARS) has been recognized as one of the best addiction treatment centers in the United States for 2025 by Newsweek Magazine.

“We’re honored to be named one of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers (West region) by Newsweek and Statista for 2025.”

The top addiction treatment centers were compiled from data sources including Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Google reviews to measure for patient satisfaction, and a national online survey that included input from medical professionals and administrators working in addiction treatment centers.

“We are truly excited with regard to the idea of AARS being recognized as a leader in the field of SUD Treatment,” said Executive Director Bryan Brandenburg.

Newsweek partnered with Statista for the sixth year to compile the list, ranking 420 facilities, an increase over last year’s 400. The survey evaluated facilities in the 25 states with the highest number of addiction treatment centers, according to SAMHSA. The remaining states were grouped into four regions, and the facilities from these states were considered accordingly, with AARS falling in the West region.

Compared to 2024’s ranking, this year’s list increased the weight of the accreditation rating and included new accreditations for Federally Qualified Health Centers, SAMHSA certification for opioid treatment programs and Drug Enforcement Agency authorization.

Additionally, a new pillar was added that accounts for recovery support and education and counseling services offered.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our incredible team, the strength of our clients, and the support of our community. Together, we’re raising the standard for compassionate, effective care in Alaska and beyond.”

Founded in 1982, AARS is located to Nugen’s Ranch, which AARS now owns, with more than 116 acres of farm land in Point MacKenzie. Earlier this year, AARS broke ground on a 26-bed expansion, doubling its current facility to meet the growing needs of Alaskans suffering from SUD who want to enter recovery and reintegrate back into the community as productive citizens.

“AARS serves not just the Matanuska Valley but statewide, and with a growing numbers of referrals for service, we could only able to accept 58 and admit 28 through the course of the year,” said Brandenburg in a previous interview.

AARS has also expanded their treatment protocols to now offer five levels of care for SUD, ranging from intensive residential treatment program all the way down to outpatient transitional program.

AARS has also added is a vocational training program in Restaurant Ready, Carpentry, and Welding, with plans to include Small Engine Repair and Certified Nursing Assistant programs. “With these programs, it allows them (clients) to get a leg up, a foot in the door upon re-entry,” says Corbin Thurneau, Director of Operations who also oversees the farming and ranching and the vocational programs.

The program recently celebrated an important milestone as five participants graduated from their first-ever Carpentry Vocational Training and are now eligible to apply for apprenticeships with the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, an important achievement for their future, careers, and recovery.

“Our objective is to ensure that each client receives thorough and holistic treatment and is reintegrated into their community so they may recreate their lives.”

"We are honored to be recognized as one of the best substance use disorder treatment centers in the nation because of our unwavering commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care that transforms lives. Our team of dedicated professionals goes beyond treating addiction by addressing the whole person- mind, body, and spirit- through innovative therapies, personalized treatment plans, and long-term recovery support. We are proud to lead with integrity, clinical excellence, and a deep belief in the resilience of every individual we serve. This award is a reflection of our staff’s passion, our clients’ courage, and our ongoing mission to set the standard for quality and hope in behavioral health care," said Bridget Akerley, Director of Clinical Operations.

To learn more about AARS and its treatment services, please visit their Facebook page, or visit www.aarsrecovery.org.