Mays Landing, N.J., June 18, 2024, Recovery Centers of America (RCA) at Lighthouse, a drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility serving communities throughout Southern New Jersey and the Jersey Shore, today announced the appointment of Michael Amador, Ph.D., as chief executive officer. Amador, who has more than 30 years’ experience in healthcare in various executive roles, will lead RCA at Lighthouse’s day-to-day operations, overseeing all aspects of the facility, including both inpatient and outpatient services.

“I am honored to join RCA at Lighthouse and lead its team of exceptional addiction specialists in providing the highest standard of quality patient care and customer service in the region,” said Amador. “My extensive experience across behavioral healthcare systems has prepared me to meet both the center’s operational goals and RCA’s standard of excellence. I am excited to get started.”

Addiction treatment services play a vital role for New Jerseyans. This year alone, NJ Cares has recorded 702 suspected overdose deaths and 3,600 Naloxone administrations. What’s more, alcohol abuse continues to plague the Garden State. It is estimated that in 2023, more people lost their lives in New Jersey from excessive alcohol use than drug-related deaths. According to The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, an average of 3,008 annual deaths per year in New Jersey are due to excessive alcohol use. The statistics also show that 54.8% of excessive alcohol use deaths in New Jersey are from chronic causes such as alcohol use disorder.

A recipient of numerous awards for his leadership throughout his career, Amador joins RCA from Sunrise Vista Behavioral Hospital in Canton, Ohio. Previously, he was a senior vice president at Agape Professionals and regional vice president for Riverside General Hospital in Texas. Amador, a pastor, was also the Harris County Texas Sheriff’s Office chaplain for 12 years.

“All my life, I've had the desire to help others, to make a difference,” said Amador. “Drug and alcohol addiction has robbed so many people of their families. My mission is to be able to provide the highest quality of care we can to our patients and for RCA to be a valuable resource in combatting addition to the community.”

Amador earned his doctorate degree in theology from The Lord’s Outreach School of Theology, his doctoral of philosophy degree in healthcare administration and management from Therapon University and his Master of Business Administration from Canterbury University. In addition to his degrees, he is certified as a trauma counselor.

RCA at Lighthouse’s caring team of experts are highly focused on saving and improving the lives of those suffering from addiction to substances such as alcohol, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, Xanax, methamphetamine, prescription drugs and others. No matter the form of one’s struggles with substance abuse, RCA at Lighthouse provides the life skills needed to move forward, free from drugs and alcohol. The Lighthouse site is an inclusive and safe treatment option to begin a patient’s journey to addiction recovery.

If you or your loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health issues associated with addiction, the staff at Recovery Centers of America is here to help. Call 1-844-5-RCA-NOW (844-572-2669) for help today.

About Recovery Centers of America 

Recovery Centers of America (RCA) is on a mission to help 1 million patients achieve lifelong recovery through evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions – one neighborhood at a time. The RCA Care Model features a clinically proven, full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services at 11 world-class facilities in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast regions. RCA admits patients 24/7, accepts most insurances, and provides transportation, intervention and family support services when needed. RCA is proud to have several of its sites recognized multiple times in Newsweek’s America’s Best Addiction Centers rankings for excellence. For inquiries or admissions, call 1-844-5-RCA-NOW (844-572-2669).

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