Southern Pines Recovery opens metro Augusta’s first outpatient medical detox

By AI, Created 11:09 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Southern Pines Recovery announced its official debut in Evans, Georgia, as metro Augusta’s first and only ASAM Level 2.7 outpatient medical detox program. The facility, which began serving clients Jan. 12, will celebrate with a free ribbon-cutting and open house May 14 as it expands access to medically supervised withdrawal care without an overnight stay.

Why it matters: - Southern Pines Recovery gives metro Augusta a medical detox option that does not require a hospital admission or residential stay. - The program is designed to reduce two major barriers to addiction treatment: cost and disruption to work, family and daily life. - The facility is the region’s first and only ASAM Level 2.7 outpatient medical detox program. - The closest comparable program is in Athens, Georgia.

What happened: - Southern Pines Recovery announced its official community debut May 1 in Evans, Georgia. - The facility has been serving clients since Jan. 12. - The public launch includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house Thursday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - The event will be held at Pierce Executive Center, 723 Industrial Park Drive, Evans, Georgia 30809. - Admission is free and open to the public.

The details: - The program follows the ASAM Criteria 4th Edition, a national framework for addiction treatment. - Level 2.7 provides structured medical supervision, daily nursing assessments and clinical support while patients return home each evening. - The flagship outpatient medical detox program averages seven to 21 days. - Services include daily nursing assessments, intermittent nurse practitioner visits, medication management, individual and group therapy, family support, drug screening, case management and 24/7 clinical hotline access. - Southern Pines Recovery also offers an outpatient therapy track for people in early sobriety, those transitioning from other programs and clients stepping down from detox. - The therapy track includes weekly group and individual therapy, monthly nurse practitioner assessments, medication management, family support, random drug screening and aftercare planning. - The facility works with most major insurance carriers. - Southern Pines Recovery offers transparent self-pay rates and flexible payment plans. - The program serves adult clients and accepts referrals from physicians, hospitals, therapists, employee assistance programs and other treatment providers. - Brooke Hillis, investor development manager at the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, will join the ribbon-cutting with founder Brandon Scarboro and medical director Dr. Michael A. Burke. - Burke and Scarboro will give brief remarks. - Guests will get food from Smokeshow Southern BBQ food truck, staff meet-and-greets, facility tours, resource packets and swag. - The event will feature the Commemorative Community Canvas, a 36-by-36-inch interactive art installation created with live artist Judy Avrett.

Between the lines: - Outpatient medical detox is described as one of the fastest-growing segments of addiction treatment nationally because it offers flexibility and affordability. - The model lets people stay connected to support systems and daily routines while getting withdrawal management. - The program’s pitch is as much about access as it is about clinical care. - Dr. Michael A. Burke brings more than 32 years of experience in detoxification and complex psychiatric care. - Burke previously served as psychiatrist for Emory’s Winship Cancer Center and held consulting roles at Emory and Grady hospitals. - Burke is the founder and CEO of Emergence Treatment & Research and recently received the American Psychiatric Association’s Distinguished Life Fellowship. - Brandon Scarboro has worked in addiction treatment since 2015 and previously served as clinical director at Bluff Augusta Recovery Center.

What’s next: - Southern Pines Recovery will use the May 14 event to formally introduce the facility to the Augusta community. - The program is positioned to serve adults in withdrawal, people in early recovery and patients stepping down from higher levels of care. - More information is available at the company’s website or by calling 706-534-2567.

The bottom line: - Augusta now has a local outpatient medical detox option that aims to make withdrawal care more accessible, less disruptive and easier to enter.