Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre
Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007
Est. 1992 1 care level
(833) 567-5838
Free · Confidential · 24/7
About Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre
AARC helps teens and young adults (ages 12–21) with moderate to severe drug or alcohol addiction using a long-term, semi-residential, 12-step approach. Founded in 1992, AARC is a research-backed program where clients live in “recovery homes,” attend group and individual therapy, and receive support from clinical staff, peer counsellors, and their families. Treatment emphasizes full abstinence, nutritional and physical wellness, and a strong family-focused recovery process.
Treatment begins with a family and teen pre-assessment, followed by evaluations to see if AARC is right. Teens then progress through four levels: Levels 1–2 are primary recovery, Level 3 is the middle phase, and Level 4 is advanced recovery. This whole journey usually takes 8–12 months, most often about 10, with research showing a 73% sobriety success rate 12 months post treatment.
At Level 1, clients live in recovery homes—private homes of experienced families—while attending treatment 6 days a week, including family sessions. At Level 2, they return home while continuing daily treatment and mentoring newcomers. Level 3 includes school or work with therapy on evenings or Saturdays. By Level 4, clients resume full school or work schedules, help newcomers, and plan for sober living after graduation.
AARC ensures treatment is accessible, and no family is denied due to financial barriers. After a confidential pre-assessment, each family’s daily fee is set according to ability to pay, with most receiving subsidies through donations, grants, and fundraisers. Though the real daily cost is higher, families pay only an affordable rate while benefiting from AARC’s entire family treatment model and lifelong community of support.
Treatment begins with a family and teen pre-assessment, followed by evaluations to see if AARC is right. Teens then progress through four levels: Levels 1–2 are primary recovery, Level 3 is the middle phase, and Level 4 is advanced recovery. This whole journey usually takes 8–12 months, most often about 10, with research showing a 73% sobriety success rate 12 months post treatment.
At Level 1, clients live in recovery homes—private homes of experienced families—while attending treatment 6 days a week, including family sessions. At Level 2, they return home while continuing daily treatment and mentoring newcomers. Level 3 includes school or work with therapy on evenings or Saturdays. By Level 4, clients resume full school or work schedules, help newcomers, and plan for sober living after graduation.
AARC ensures treatment is accessible, and no family is denied due to financial barriers. After a confidential pre-assessment, each family’s daily fee is set according to ability to pay, with most receiving subsidies through donations, grants, and fundraisers. Though the real daily cost is higher, families pay only an affordable rate while benefiting from AARC’s entire family treatment model and lifelong community of support.
Who This Center Serves
Adolescents
Young Adults
Girls
Boys
Amenities & Features
Lounge
Services Offered
What to Expect at Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre
1. Initial Assessment
A clinical team evaluates your history, needs, and goals to create a personalized plan.
2. Active Treatment
Evidence-based therapies including 1-on-1 Counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, typically 6 days.
3. Progress & Recovery
Regular progress reviews, skill-building sessions, and adjustment of your treatment plan.
4. Aftercare Planning
Continued support, relapse prevention strategies, and connections to community resources for lasting recovery.
Contact Information
Quick Facts
| Program | 6 days |
| Focus | This center primarily treats s... |
| Insurance | 24 accepted |
Therapies & Methods
Treatment Philosophy
Individual Treatment
Twelve Step
Conditions & Substances Treated
Drug Addiction
Prescription Drugs
Benzodiazepines
Cocaine
Ecstasy
Heroin
Methamphetamine
Marijuana
Synthetic Drugs
Insurance Accepted
Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre works with 24 insurance providers.
Verify Your Insurance Coverage
Free verification · Know your costs before you commit
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help Choosing the Right Center?
Our counselors are available 24/7 to help you find the right program.
(833) 567-5838Free · Confidential · No Obligation
Information last verified: April 2026 · Data sourced from SAMHSA