By: William Jones
“Addiction doesn’t care how successful you are.”
That is how Adams Pritchard, CEO and co-founder of Impact Recovery Center, begins when asked about the kind of clients who walk through his doors. He is not exaggerating. “We’re seeing men who have built everything they thought they wanted. The business, the home, the family. And yet they are dying inside,” he says.
Across the country, a new kind of recovery movement is taking shape. It is quieter than the corporate wellness trend and deeper than the typical rehab model. It is the rise of private-pay, boutique recovery retreats that blend evidence-based treatment with the space and beauty of a luxury wellness experience. These are not hospitals. They are sanctuaries for men who are burning out under the weight of achievement.
The Crisis of Performance
Research shows that nearly 70 percent of executives report symptoms of burnout, while a growing number of high-income professionals quietly struggle with substance use, anxiety, and depression. The cultural message of “hustle harder” has created a generation of men who define their worth by what they produce.
“We have all sorts of individuals come through here, lately, more and more of our clients are not what people picture when they hear the word addiction,” Pritchard explains. “They are founders, CEOs, athletes, lawyers, authors, you name it. They are men who can manage everything but themselves. They don’t need to try harder; they need to heal on the inside.”
At Impact Recovery Center, located on a 64-acre farm outside Birmingham, Alabama, healing looks different. Only fourteen men are admitted at a time. There are no sterile hallways or hospital beds. Instead, there are open fields, quiet mornings, and spaces for reflection. The environment itself feels restorative, designed to slow men down long enough to finally listen to and treat what is going on inside.
Redefining the Meaning of Recovery
Photo Courtesy: Sarah Pritchard
For Pritchard, the idea for Impact came from his own experience attending more than ten treatment centers across the country.
“Most of the treatment is broken, there are so many problems in this space. What that has done is allowed us to do something different.”
This belief shaped Impact’s approach: a bubble where men have the opportunity to do everything that’s needed to recover while still in the continuum of care. A fusion of clinical, spiritual, and holistic practices with community and a world-class family program. “There is accountability and structure, as well as compassion. We want guys to be able to see firsthand how incredible and exciting this true freedom, recovered, recreated life really is, and then allow them the chance to get there themselves.”
The Luxury of Space and Stillness
The rise of boutique recovery programs like Impact is not about indulgence; it is about intentional design. These centers recognize that the environment plays a crucial role in the healing process. For high-performing men accustomed to constant movement, stillness can be the most potent medicine.
“Men who are used to pressure don’t need more of it,” says Pritchard. “Addicts and alcoholics need purpose. The only way to get that purpose is to go through an internal process of uncovering and discovering, to then be able to go out and create change for them and countless others.”
Clients at Impact often describe their stay as a “reset” rather than a rehab. The property’s natural beauty, combined with the privacy and small community, allows them to finally lower their defenses. The goal is not to escape life but to return to it stronger, with a clearer sense of identity and meaning.
The New Definition of Strength
As conversations about men’s mental health become more open, recovery is no longer being seen as a last resort. It is being reframed as leadership work. A growing number of high-performing men are recognizing that their emotional health directly impacts their professional success, relationships, and legacy.
“Real strength is not about how much you can handle,” Pritchard says. “It is about having the courage to ask for help. When men finally give themselves permission to stop hiding and surrender to this process, that’s when everything changes.”
Impact’s alumni include all types of men, with a rise in business owners, athletes, and fathers who leave with a renewed sense of clarity. Many stay connected through peer support groups and coaching, transforming their experiences into lifelong networks of accountability and friendship.
Choosing Purpose Over Pressure
Photo Courtesy: Sarah Pritchard
The men who arrive at Impact are not running away from responsibility. They are running toward peace. They want their lives back. They want to be present for their families and show up for them. They want to lead with purpose instead of performance.
“There’s a moment in every man’s life when you redefine the word success,” Pritchard says quietly.
In a culture that glorifies burnout and rewards achievement at any cost, Impact Recovery Center offers something radically different. It offers truth. It offers rest. It offers a way home.
And for many of these men, that makes all the difference.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the individuals featured and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Impact Recovery Center or its affiliates. The content presented here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Any individuals considering treatment for addiction or mental health concerns should seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
