Our History

The mission of Discovery Institute for Addictive Disorders is to provide high quality habilitation and rehabilitation services to the chemically dependent adult population and their families statewide.

In 1970, Discovery Institute was established in New Jersey as a state-operated residential drug-free treatment center. We believed in the philosophy of the "therapeutic community", which is a self-sufficient community that uses peer interaction as a catalyst for positive change. Discovery Institute's approach to the chemically affected individual is predicated on the belief that chemical dependence is a progressively debilitating disorder. The Institute views this dependence as a disorder of the "whole person" affecting every aspect of his/her behavior, belief system, and lifestyle.

We have served as guide to more than 7,000 chemically affected persons on the path toward personal recovery and a new beginning. Discovery offers unlimited hope, realistic solutions, and viable alternatives to the nightmare of drug abuse and alcoholism.

Discovery Institute, formerly known as "Discovery House", operated under the auspices of the New Jersey State Department of Health until 1984, when approval was granted by the state enabling us to convert to a private nonprofit corporation. With this change in status came enhancements to our program, along with a reaffirmation of our profound belief that for a program to be effective it must remain flexible and in a constant state of evolution. Paramount to good treatment is the ability to adapt to changing patterns of drug use in our fast-paced society.

Over the years we have broadened our horizons with regard to treatment modalities, reaching beyond the methodologies utilized by most other facilities to incorporate the latest proven systems and techniques available. The result is a highly personalized, multifaceted state-of-the-art substance abuse treatment program. Treatment that works through facilitating the reintegration of substance abusers into society as happy and productive individuals providing recovery that lasts. We are most proud of the fact that 75% of our graduates remain substance abuse free after five years.