The first of the modern drug treatment centers. It is far less famous than the Betty Ford Center, even though it was founded first (in 1949, thirty-three years earlier than Betty Ford) and developed the 12-step program.

Currently, Hazelden claims a 54% success rate, the highest recovery rate among US treatment centers. They define "success" as a patient who remains drug/alcohol free for one year after being discharged from treatment. 35% also "significantly reduce" their use of drugs and/or alcohol. Over 2000 patients are admitted each year.

The main campus in Center City, Minnesota covers over 500 acres. This campus offers inpatient treatment for adults (a 28-day "standard" program), outpatient treatment, inpatient extended care (a program that can last from four months to a year), a family program (a weeklong program for family members), a renewal center, and several other services. Also located in Center City is a publishing center for the wide range of literature they put out.

Patients between the ages of 14 and 25 can be sent to The Hazelden Center for Youth and Families in Plymouth, Minnesota, although the main campus accepts 18+. In St. Paul, Minnesota is the Fellowship Club, which is an intermediate step between treatment and the "real world." The Women and Children's Recovery Community, located in New Brighton, Minnesota, offers a similar program for women, particularly those with custody of children.

West Palm Beach, Florida is home to Hanley-Hazelden, a center designed for "the specific recovery care needs of the older adult."

The Chicago, Illinois and New York City campuses offer outpatient treatment and ongoing care programs. However, these locations are not as ideal as the rural campuses due to the ease with which patients can procure the drugs they are trying to quit.

Hazelden Springbrook, located in Newberg, Oregon, offers a program that is similar to but less extensive than the Center City campus.

In Elizabeth Wurtzel's book More, Now, Again, she calls Hazelden "... boot camp for junkies. It's strict and hard-line and hard-core, and Dr. Singer thinks it would drive me crazy."

A Million Little Pieces was written by James Frey about his experience going through rehab at Hazelden. I have not read the entire book, and have no opinion on its quality; however, upon skimming the first chapter or two, I noticed multiple inaccuracies in his description of the campus.

Hazelden is the largest employer in Chisago County, Minnesota.

Philanthropist Joan Kroc (wife of Ray Kroc) donated money to Hazelden for a fitness center, but stipulated that the center could not be named after her. So they named it the Cork Center. Inventive.

Also, I can assert that working food service at the main campus sucks significantly less than fast food would, but it still sucks.

I may as well get the FAQ out of the way while I'm at it.

"Did you see anyone famous there?"
Yes.

"Who?!"
I can't tell you. No, I really can't tell you. No, I can't tell you if you guess right. No, I can't nod if you guess right. No, I can't nod even if you promise not to tell anybody. Please stop asking.

Sources:
www.hazelden.org