Nova Recovery Center

Nova Recovery Center

Addictive Drugs

Admissions answered 24 hours a day · Free and confidential

Excellent 4.6 out of 5 434 Google reviews across our locations

  • The Joint Commission
  • NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
  • Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP)

What clients say

Trusted by clients across Texas

4.6 from 434 Google reviews across 9 locations

Across Nova Recovery Center, Briarwood Detox Center and Eudaimonia Recovery Homes

  • ★★★★★

    “Nova is far from perfect, and some of the information can be misleading. But if you want to cover the 12 Steps while enjoying good food and a beautiful scenic view, this is the place for you. The…”

    Wade III

    10 months ago · Wimberley

  • ★★★★★

    “I did 90 days at Nova Recovery 6 years ago. I am still sober today. And living a life I could have never imagined. The people and the program they are running impacted me for a lifetime. Better than…”

    megan minasi

    2 years ago · Wimberley

  • ★★★★★

    “I went to Nova almost 9 months ago and I wouldn’t change it for the world. The staff when I first entered were very nice and welcoming. As a 19 year old that didn’t know what I was getting myself…”

    Brianna Velaney

    2 years ago · Austin

  • ★★★★★

    “Nova Recovery Center has been an invaluable part of my journey to sobriety. The intensive inpatient program, coupled with the unwavering support and guidance from my recovery specialist, Mark Rector…”

    Jake Smolt

    2 years ago · Austin

  • ★★★★★

    “I had such a positive experience at Nova Recovery in Wimberley! The staff genuinely cares and went above and beyond to support me every step of the way. The peaceful setting made it easier to focus…”

    Jeffrey Villasis

    a year ago · Wimberley

  • ★★★★★

    “I love Nova so freaking much. Nova has saved my life in more ways than one. I was hopeless and had no solution suffering from this disease. The staff there never gave up on me. I was the worst client…”

    Sierra Watts

    2 years ago · Austin

  • ★★★★★

    “I know Mark rector is non-binary however it saved my life and it did a good job with CPR and I don't know how aside from staying sober I could ever repay it thank you Mr or Mrs or whatever you're…”

    Logan S

    8 months ago · Austin

  • ★★★★★

    “It's been a few years since I was a patient at Nova Recovery Center. Recently I have been reflecting on my time there and how incredibly grateful I am for the experience I had. I have been to 7 rehab…”

    Jeff Lochridge

    2 years ago · Austin

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About Drug Addiction

What drug addiction is, and what it does

Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease marked by compulsive drug seeking and use. It is called a brain disease because drugs change the structure of the brain and the way it works, which is why stopping is not a matter of willpower.

The first use often brings pleasure, a euphoria or a high, and that is what encourages the second. Over time use becomes uncontrollable, physical dependence develops, and stopping brings withdrawal.

Left alone it causes severe physical, social and psychological damage, and it can end in overdose or death. This page is the index to what we know about it.

What it is
A brain disease
Risk from genetics
About half
People with a disorder
20.1 million
Entries in this index
Thirty-eight

Every entry below links to the detail. If you would rather just talk to someone, call.

Why it starts, and how it takes hold

Three things decide whether someone becomes addicted: what they bring to it, what they are using it for, and what the drug does to the brain once it is there.

  1. The risk factors

    Addiction does not discriminate by age, sex, race or ethnicity. About half of a person’s risk comes from genetics, and gender and ethnicity play a part too. No single factor predicts future use, but the more risk factors someone carries, the more likely it becomes.

  2. Why people use

    Much substance abuse begins as self-medication, with mental health at the root of it. People use for different reasons depending on their situation, but most start to cope with something: stress, trauma, depression, anxiety. The 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found 20.1 million people aged 12 and over with a substance use disorder.

  3. How use becomes addiction

    The path begins with chemical changes in the brain. Taking a drug floods the brain’s reward circuit, and the circuit adapts to the flood, which is what makes the next dose necessary rather than pleasurable.

  • The side courtyard at Nova Recovery Center in Wimberley, Texas
  • The gym at Nova Recovery Center in Wimberley, Texas
  • Weights and equipment in the gym at Nova Recovery Center in Wimberley, Texas
  • The game room at Nova Recovery Center in Wimberley, Texas
  • A private bedroom at Nova Recovery Center in Wimberley, Texas
  • Stone creations on the grounds at Old Oaks Ranch
  • Stone remains on the grounds at Old Oaks Ranch
  • The Old Oaks Ranch stone carving at the entrance
  • The Nova sign at the Old Oaks Ranch entrance
  • An outdoor seating area on the campus grounds
Nova Recovery Center’s Wimberley campus and the Old Oaks Ranch grounds, outside Austin.

None of this is a character flaw.

It is a treatable illness, and the call is where treatment starts.

The two most used

A 2016 SAMHSA survey found 37.6 million people had used marijuana in the past year, 18.7 million had misused prescription psychotherapeutic drugs and 11.5 million had misused pain relievers. These two come first because they are the ones most people are actually dealing with.

  1. Alcohol

    Alcohol addiction isn’t just about drinking too much, it’s a chronic disease.

    Read more
  2. Nicotine

    Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that is naturally found in several types of plants.

    Read more

Freedom Starts Here. Take Back Your Life Today.

Same-Day Admissions in Austin Available.

Commonly abused drugs

Twenty categories, each with its own page. If you are looking for a specific substance rather than a class, the A to Z index has it.

  1. Anticonvulsants

    Anticonvulsants, also known as antiseizure medications (ASMs) or antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

    Read more
  2. Antidepressants

    Antidepressant medications are used to treat many mental health conditions, including.

    Read more
  3. Antipsychotics and Mood Stabilizers

    If you or a loved one is navigating treatment options for bipolar disorder or psychosis.

    Read more
  4. Barbiturates

    Barbiturates, often called “barbs”, are a class of drugs.

    Read more
  5. Benzodiazepines

    Benzodiazepines (commonly referred to as “benzos”).

    Read more
  6. Cannabinoids

    Cannabinoids are chemical compoundsin marijuana.

    Read more
  7. CNS Depressants

    CNS depressants, sometimes called sedatives, tranquilizers.

    Read more
  8. Designer Drugs

    Designer drugs are drugs that have been created to mimic.

    Read more
  9. Hallucinogens

    Hallucinogens are a type of drug that causes.

    Read more
  10. Herbal Drugs

    What are “herbal drugs”? In everyday use, the term refers.

    Read more
  11. Inhalants

    Inhalants are volatile substances that release chemical.

    Read more
  12. Muscle Relaxers

    Muscle relaxers (or muscle relaxants) are prescription.

    Read more
  13. Caffeine

    Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive drug.

    Read more
  14. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

    Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory.

    Read more
  15. Illegal Opioids

    Illegal opioids are powerful drugs that bind to opioid receptors in the brain and body. They include.

    Read more
  16. Prescription Opioids (Narcotics)

    Narcotics, or prescription opioids, are powerful medications often.

    Read more
  17. Over The Counter (OTC) Drugs

    Over the counter (OTC) drugs are medications you can buy at.

    Read more
  18. Prescription Stimulant

    You can only obtain prescription stimulants with a prescription.

    Read more
  19. Prescription Sedatives

    Prescription sedatives and tranquilizers are central.

    Read more
  20. Strattera

    Strattera, the brand name for atomoxetine, is a.

    Read more

Addiction topics and treatment

The rest of what this site covers: what addiction does, how it is treated, and the behavioural addictions that work the same way without a substance.

  1. Addiction and Mental Health

    When people talk about mental health and addictions.

    Read more
  2. Addiction Effects

    Discover how addiction impacts health, relationships, and recovery.

    Read more
  3. Addiction Help

    Find trusted addiction help, treatment and supportive paths to recovery.

    Read more
  4. Addiction Prevention

    Addiction prevention means using proven strategies to reduce.

    Read more
  5. Addiction Recovery

    Recovery is more than stopping alcohol or drugs. The widely used.

    Read more
  6. Addiction Resources

    Addiction (often called substance use disorder) is a medical condition.

    Read more
  7. Addiction Symptoms

    Recognizing addiction early saves time, money, health, and, often.

    Read more
  8. Addiction Treatment

    Addiction treatment is a structured, evidence-based process that.

    Read more
  9. Addiction Types

    Addiction is a chronic condition marked by compulsive use of a substance.

    Read more
  10. Behavioral Addictions

    At their core, behavioral addictions are learned patterns where an activity.

    Read more
  11. Behavioral Addiction Help

    LA behavioral addiction, also called a process addiction, is a pattern.

    Read more
  12. Behavioral Addiction Support Groups

    Behavioral (or process) addictions.

    Read more
  13. Behavioral Addiction Treatment

    A behavioral addiction, often called a process addiction, is a pattern.

    Read more
  14. Causes of Behavioral Addictions

    Behavioral addictions: gambling, gaming and social media, sex.

    Read more
  15. Effects of Behavioral Addictions

    A behavioral addiction is a condition marked by compulsive repetition of.

    Read more
  16. Overcoming Behavioral Addictions

    Behavioral addictions (also called process addictions) involve.

    Read more

Thirty-eight entries is a lot to read through.

If you already know what you are dealing with, the call is faster.

We accept most major insurance

Most major insurance covers treatment here

We'll check your benefits for free and tell you what you'd actually pay, before you commit to anything.

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • UnitedHealthcare
  • Ambetter
  • Anthem
  • Beacon Health Options
  • Magellan Health
  • MultiPlan
  • CHRISTUS Health
  • Carelon
  • Optum
  • Oscar
  • Evernorth
  • Curative
  • Harbor Health
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Don't see yours? We work with more plans than we can show here.

What recovery actually involves

Effective treatment usually needs long-term residential or outpatient care, and taking part in every step rather than picking one. There is no quick fix, but people do overcome this.

  • What rehab programs are designed to do

    • Help the person accept the fact that they have an illness
    • Address the root causes of the addiction
    • Learn and practice the life skills and coping strategies that prevent relapse
    • Heal damaged relationships
    • Learn how to build healthy ones
    • Maintain long-term or lifelong abstinence from all addictive substances
  • How common it is

    Drug addiction is common in the United States, and in 2016, 93.1 percent of people with an addiction did not get treatment for their substance use disorder. If you or someone close to you is addicted, there is a way out of it, and it starts with a phone call.

Common Drug Questions

What is drug addiction?

Drug addiction is the most severe form of substance use disorder, a chronic brain disease marked by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences

How quickly can you become addicted to drugs?

The risk and speed of addiction vary: some drugs (like opioids) can lead to addiction quickly, while others take longer

Are there effective treatments for drug addiction?

Yes. A mix of behavioral therapies and some FDA-approved drugs can create effective treatment programs. Examples of these drugs include buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone

What medications are used to treat substance use disorders?

Medications for alcohol use disorder include acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone; for opioid use disorder: buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone; plus behavioral therapies

What are the symptoms of drug addiction?

Symptoms include inability to control use, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, neglecting responsibilities, risky behaviors, and continuing use despite harm

Does drug addiction affect your brain and behavior?

Yes. Chronic drug use alters brain circuits affecting self‑control, stress response, and reward, which makes quitting difficult

What is substance use disorder (SUD)?

SUD is the new clinical term for addiction. It includes a range from mild misuse to severe drug behavior

What causes addiction or what are its risk factors?

Risk factors include genetics, environmental factors, mental health issues, early exposure, and social influences

How do I find credible drug treatment programs?

Resources include Nova Recovery Center and SAMHSA’s Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. You can also use the Substance Abuse Treatment Locator. Treatment options include inpatient care, outpatient care, and medication-assisted treatment

Can relapse happen and is that a sign of failure?

Relapse is a common part of the chronic disease cycle; it’s not a sign of failure but indicates the need for ongoing coping strategies, counseling, or medication‑assisted therapy

Nova’s Comprehensive Continuum of Care Plan

Old Oaks Ranch stone carving at the entrance.

90-Day Residential Alcohol and Drug Rehab

Our 90-day residential drug and alcohol rehab in Austin center provides a safe, comfortable, and supportive space for you to heal, learn, and recover. Unlike other 30 or 60-day programs, our long-term rehab program gives you more time to adjust to a new way of living, more time to practice the mental and spiritual tools you will use outside of rehab, and more time to acclimate into a recovery community. This 90-day time span promotes genuine and lasting change for sobriety that lasts long after inpatient rehab ends.

Learn More about 90-Day Residential Alcohol and Drug Rehab

Front Lobby at Briarwood Detox Center | Alcohol and Drug Detox in Austin, TX.

Drug and Alcohol Detox

Our medical detox programs treat all kinds of addictions and are tailored to meet your individual needs. We use a comprehensive assessment to design a personalized detox program that will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the withdrawal process. You’ll also have the opportunity to begin individual and group therapy to address any emotional issues and prepare for the transition into a rehab program. We believe this process provides the best foundation for continued sobriety.

More on Drug and Alcohol Detox

Learn More about Drug and Alcohol Detox

Outpatient Rehab What You Should Know Before You Start

Aftercare Program and IOP

Our Intensive Outpatient and Aftercare programs are designed to assist those who have graduated from our inpatient residential facility. Group sessions are available in Austin and Houston and provide structured addiction treatment sessions and recovery counseling in a safe, clinical setting. The first year of recovery can be difficult, but these support groups provide consistency, accountability, and peer support at a time when it’s needed most.

Learn More about Aftercare Program and IOP

Eudaimonia Sober Living Homes in San Antonio, TX.

Sober Living Apartments

The transition from a residential rehab center into independent sober life is littered with obstacles. For this reason, we provide sober living homes and support programming for clients who need continued support as they make the transition. With regular drug and alcohol screenings, one-on-one sobriety coaching, and a safe, comfortable place to practice relapse prevention strategies, our sober living program is key to achieving an independent, substance-free life.

Learn More about Sober Living Apartments

Our Drug and Alcohol Rehab Services in Texas

Every substance we cover

Drug and medication guides, A–Z

155 guides covering effects, risks, withdrawal and treatment.

Talk to someone today

Ready when you are

Admissions are answered 24 hours a day by a person, not a queue. We will check your benefits for free and tell you what treatment would actually cost.

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Call (512) 605-2955