VERO BEACH — The Indian River Board of County Commissioners has approved a proposal from Vero Beach Recovery Center to establish Treasure Coast Detox, the county’s first inpatient medical detox and treatment facility for substance abuse in over a generation, officials announced Tuesday.
The new facility will provide comprehensive inpatient care, addressing a long-standing gap in local services. For years, families in Indian River County have had to send loved ones out of the county for detox and inpatient treatment, often during times of crisis. Treasure Coast Detox aims to change that by offering medically supervised stabilization and residential treatment in Vero Beach.
“We are committed to treating substance use disorders with compassion, accountability, and evidence-based care,” said Kosta Velis, CEO of Vero Beach Recovery Center. “We have deep roots in this community.”
Vero Beach Recovery Center, a locally owned and operated provider, is licensed by the Department of Children and Families and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. As the county’s oldest private substance abuse treatment provider, it currently offers intensive outpatient treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions.
The addition of Treasure Coast Detox will expand its services to include inpatient medical detox and residential treatment, addressing the root causes of addiction and preparing individuals for reintegration into their lives.
The facility will serve not only Indian River County but also communities from Fort Pierce to Brevard County, a region with a combined population exceeding 500,000. By providing local access to detox and stabilization, Treasure Coast Detox is expected to reduce strain on emergency rooms and curb dangerous at-home detox attempts.
“Treasure Coast Detox is going to be exceptional and not just another detox facility fixated on numbers,” Velis said. “We’re focused on healing the brain and body, guiding each person through a recovery journey, and ensuring no one walks it alone.”
The facility will incorporate peer mentorship, technology-enabled accountability, and a lifelong alumni community to support sustainable recovery. Vero Beach Recovery Center aims to make Treasure Coast Detox a trusted resource for families seeking compassionate, evidence-based treatment.
