Blake Recovery Center at Hackensack Meridian Carrier Clinic Tops Newsweek’s 2025 List of Best Addiction Treatment Centers in New Jersey

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network, is pleased to announce that Newsweek Magazine has once again ranked Blake Recovery Center No. 1 on its new list of Best Addiction Treatment Centers in New Jersey.

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness or substance use disorders, yet a significant number of those with clinically diagnosable conditions do not receive the treatment they need.

“I am incredibly proud of our team for their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care to individuals facing substance use disorders,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “With a unique blend of expertise and heartfelt compassion, they embody the very spirit of our organization. Through their dedication, countless patients have gained renewed hope for their future and the foundation for a more fulfilling life.”

This is the fifth time Blake has been No. 1 in the state since Newsweek published its inaugural list in 2020.

“This recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication our team brings every day to help people reclaim their lives and rebuild their futures,” said Kenneth Esser, Carrier Clinic’s Acting President and Chief Hospital Executive and Executive Vice President, Behavioral Health for Hackensack Meridian Health. “Addiction touches not only individuals, but also the families and communities who support them. It can steal a person’s potential and sense of self. That’s why we’re deeply honored to be recognized as a leader in addiction treatment. Each year, we walk alongside hundreds of individuals as they come to understand the nature of this medical condition and take the first steps toward lasting recovery.”

Nearly 10 percent of people in the United States ages 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder, according to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. In addition, 28 million people were classified as having a drug use disorder in that age group. Overall, almost 50 million Americans had a substance use disorder involving alcohol, drugs or both. Most did not receive treatment.

“Blake’s distinction as the top addiction treatment center in the state reflects the countless moments of compassion, perseverance and hope that defines our team’s work,” said James Sherer, interim Chief Medical Officer, Carrier Clinic and Addiction Medicine Director, Blake Recovery Center/Retreat & Recovery at Ramapo Valley. “Addiction is not a moral failing - it’s a medical condition. Our team’s understanding of that is key to offering the compassionate, effective care we provide.”

“Together, we create a safe and compassionate space where those battling addiction and brave enough to seek help can begin their journey toward recovery and rediscovery,” said Rohit Mahajan, vice president, Operations, Carrier Clinic. “Blake’s continued recognition as the best addiction treatment program in NJ speaks to the deep commitment of our entire team of dedicated professionals and the care they pour into every individual who walks through our doors.”

“This recognition speaks to the collective efforts of our entire team, whose compassion and skill continue to transform lives affected by addiction,” said Michele Scasserra, Blake’s Director of Substance Use Counseling Services. “Every member of our team - from our counselor to our techs and nurses - contributes to building a place of healing, hope and renewal for those facing the challenges of addiction. The care they receive here is truly exceptional.”

Newsweek’s ranking system is based on a national online survey of more than 4,000 medical professionals in the addiction treatment field and data by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The system evaluated facilities based on SAMHSA accreditation data, survey responses by medical professionals and administrators and patient experience reflected in Google reviews.