Absolute Awakenings New Jersey Drug & Alcohol Rehab — Local services in Denville

I will speak to the "clinical" side and the "management" side separately because the level of interaction and value I received from each were disparate. The clinical side for me includes med management, therapy, and groups. The management side for me includes organization, administration, and billing.

MANAGEMENT: During my first couple weeks at Absolute MH IOP, I was motivated, excited, and very happy. What I saw was a building that was well-lit, with floor-to-ceiling windows in the front of the building, alternative programming (yoga, pet, muay thai, art, hypno), and a friendliness that I hadn't seen in a couple of other IOPs. (I will say the requirement and process to complete a urine screen was highly traumatic for me as it was both unexpected and unexplained.) My largely positive emotional overwhelm made it so I dismissed the things that could have otherwise bothered me - such as the process of intake, the age demographic skewing younger, and that the clinical team was housed in small windowless almost-closet-like rooms, sometimes two to a room.

I ended up requesting a different therapist than the one I was assigned because I didn't feel safe with a male therapist at the time. Courtney, the therapist that I was switched to, was literally the reason I kept coming back, and perhaps overstayed. Another client who seemed an expert mentioned that the therapist is the person who makes or breaks your treatment experience, and I would have to agree.

CLINICAL: Groups were large, sometimes repetitive (topics are set by management) and disorganized, hijacked easily, but overall, I received a lot from attending, at least initially. This center is based much more on ACT - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, though it does also include DBT and CBT. For me, it was ACT that really did the trick. I have grown sick and tired of learning, re-learning, and finding limited use and benefit from the other two therapies. The efficacy and enjoyment of group largely depended on if you got a chance to speak and if people allowed your share to exist without interruption or hijacking. And how well group was run depended on the group lead. I started to choose groups based on the facilitator, and eventually got the hang of how to get the most out of group, including just by observing, or sometimes by even temporarily exiting.

Some highlights - Reiki, LGBT group, music therapy

Some complaints - management has yet to achieve stability, value for money is questionable, perhaps one needs a sense of individual hyper-independence to succeed in this environment, dietary restrictions are not well accommodated (IOP doesn't get food, but just an observation from a vegetarian)

All in all, I'd say it's worth a try to see if Absolute is a fit and decide if you receive benefit. I especially liked when Brittany, Patrick, or Tyler ran groups. I'm glad I went and I don't think I have any regrets about my time. And I'm looking forward to seeing how and if...

Absolute Awakenings changed my life. I grew so much, learned to love myself, and was taught essential skills for sobriety and life in general. The Group facilitators were amazing, especially the groups led by Matt, Courtney, and Abbey! Every group was full of new lessons and sober fun was ALWAYS a good time. The LGTBQ groups led by Courtney were a safe space, educational, emotional (in the best way!) And full of all inclusive. Courtney's energy, and enthusiasm for life brings out the best in people. Courtney was also my therapist and I couldn't ask for someone better to guide me through this process.The group outings with Matt were always entertaining, fun, soul warming and a great way to get out of the center and experience new and different activities. At the end of each outing, I was always very content, relaxed and full of new information I learned unknowingly throughout the activity. Matt also led the sober fun groups which always had everybody laughing and embracing their competitive nature in a healthy way! Matt also held groups that made us search within ourselves, dig deep and feel many emotions that we had not felt in a long time. Although processing can be hard, it was essential for growth and I got so much out of them. Abbey is so kind, compassionate, open and intelligent. Her soft approach to emotional topics made it easy to share and be open. She came up with new topics for discussion for each group and allowed us to be open and honest with zero judgements. Amy's hypnosis groups were amazing and definitely not what I expected! She teaches you to be one with yourself and be comfortable and confident to be alone with yourself. Last, but DEFINITELY not least, was Reiki with Jamie. Jamie is such a warm and loving soul and made me feel comfortable instantly. Reiki was not what I expected at all and I was very nervous and hesitant before meeting Jamie. The experience was life changing. Jamie is magical and I was able to relax, slow my mind and my racing thoughts, and let the tension leave my body. I would do Reiki with Jamie every day if I could. I always left her office, which was a very comfortable and safe space, feeling completely at ease, and so unbelievably content and peaceful. I truly cannot put into words how amazing Reiki was. If you choose to stay in housing, Jeff and Brandy are amazing and always willing to hear you out!!! The techs that come to the house are absolutely fabulous! Julia was my house manager and I love her so much and am grateful for the time I spent getting to know her and learning from her. She is a Mom to all her girls and is always willing to sit and talk when needed. Cheyna, Jenny, and Maples are fun, kind, and keep you on track while still being supportive. All in all my experience at Absolute was definitely worth the time, energy, and willingness to open myself. I wouldn't change my time there in any way and I will miss everybody in...

Today I’m 7 months and 11 days sober! I’m a 61-year-old woman who stayed at Absolute Awakenings for six months starting in February 2025. The first two weeks were in their residential program, a full-time, in-house intensive treatment option, and afterward I continued as an outpatient while sleeping at home. I had been drinking heavily for about five years after my separation and empty nest.

The daily program felt overwhelming at first, but everyone there is healing together. I learned to balance the physical, emotional, and spiritual sides of life and to accept that I couldn’t control alcohol alone.

The counselors are amazing. Courtney guided me through breakthroughs I never thought possible, and Nicole’s Saturday sessions were deep, practical, and full of support.

The activities, like yoga, helped me reconnect with my body. Amy’s hypnotherapy sessions were unforgettable; I still join her free Sunday sessions (see Amy Arvary on Facebook).

Family Nights: Every 3rd Thursday, Absolute Awakenings hosts Family Nights. This is a wonderful way for families to ask questions and meet their loved ones’ counselors. I absolutely recommend attending all of them, it makes a huge difference in understanding the program and feeling supported.

No magic wand: Absolute Awakenings gives tools and guidance, but I recommend to also have outside therapy to address childhood or other trauma that leads us to harm ourselves instead of loving ourselves.

Some areas could improve: a dedicated dining space, daily cleaning (especially bathrooms), fixing air-conditioning issues, and more comfortable chairs in meeting rooms. Hiring someone for daily housekeeping would help a lot.

Thank you, Absolute Awakenings. This program gave me my life back. If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, go in with an open heart, give it your all, and accept help. It truly works if you let it, and learning to manage your...