The state of North Carolina was awarded $31 million in 2017 to help combat the current opioid overdose crisis. This government grant will provide addiction treatment to almost 3,000 people and is very much needed in a state whose overdose death rates continue to increase every year.
Of the 1,567 drug overdose deaths in NC in 2015, about 80% were due to opioids, such as prescription painkillers and heroin.
Looking at these numbers, it may not be surprising to learn that North Carolina has one of the highest number of painkiller prescriptions per person in the U.S. In 2012, there were 97 painkiller prescriptions per 100 people in the state.
Prescription opioid use can be a slippery slope to heroin abuse; one study found that 86% of heroin users transitioned to the illicit drug after abusing opioid pain relievers. In North Carolina, 16,000 residents use heroin every year, a number that could continue to increase as prescriptions for opioids rise.
Substance abuse statistics and population information can help to provide a clear picture of what drug abuse looks like in North Carolina.
North Carolina is combating its prescription opioid issues by starting with the source. Medical professionals have banded together to work with the state government on prescription opioid regulations and restrictions. New laws have been passed on a state level that assists in the regulation of prescription pain relievers and other controlled substances.
This partnership has also resulted in the increased utilization of treatment methods that have a proven track record with specific types of addiction, such as the utilization of methadone and buprenorphine through medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction.
The state of North Carolina has also poured over $1.5 million into combating illicit drug use at a community level. This grant was approved by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to use toward educating youth on the dangers of illicit drug use, improve access to treatment and recovery programs, and offer harm-reduction programs. North Carolina is working with 12 community partners to allocate this grant in ways that will benefit the most people possible.
North Carolina has strict legal consequences for drug possession, manufacturing and distribution. While an intent to distribute comes with a tougher sentence than personal possession, all drug-related cases face serious punishment.
Drug penalties are categorized by schedules. Each schedule is broken down by type of drug, risk of dependency and any accepted medical uses for the substance.
Schedule | Drugs Included | First Offense | Second Offense |
---|---|---|---|
Schedule I | Heroin, ecstasy, GHB, methaqualone, peyote, opiates | Class 1 felony, 4-5 months jail | Varies by amount of drug and previous offenses |
Schedule II | Cocaine, Raw Opium, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Morphine,
Methadone, Methamphetamine, Ritalin (and others) |
Class 1 misdemeanor, 45 days in jail | Class 1 felony, 4-5 months in jail |
Schedule III | Ketamine, Anabolic Steroids, Some Barbiturates (and others) | Class 1 misdemeanor, 45 days in jail | Class 1 felony, 4-5 months in jail |
Schedule IV | Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol, Darvon, Clonazepam, Barbital (and others) | Class 1 misdemeanor, 45 days in jail | Class 1 felony, 4-5 months in jail |
Schedule V | Over the counter cough medicines with codeine (and others) | Class 2 misdemeanor, 30 days in jail | Class 1 misdemeanor, 45 days in jail |
Medical and recreational marijuana is illegal in the state of North Carolina. Sentences are less severe for those who have not faced a previous drug-related charge. First-time offenders may be placed on probation rather than serving time in jail. After successfully completing a drug education program as part of probation, the charges will be dismissed. However, for those with previous controlled substance convictions, a class 1 misdemeanor will be punished as a class I felon.
Marijuana Amount | Criminal Charge | Potential Sentence |
---|---|---|
0.5 ounces or less | Class 3 misdemeanor | $200 maximum fine |
0.5 to 1.5 ounces | Class 1 misdemeanor | 1 to 45 days in jail, plus a $1,000 maximum fine |
1.5 ounces to 10 lbs. or less | Class 1 felony | 3 to 8 months in jail, plus possible fine |
If you’re in need of addiction treatment, browse our listings to find a top rehab facility in North Carolina. Before you make your final decision, you should:
There are many NC addiction treatment centers to choose from—it’s up to you to take the first step.
Inpatient programs allow people to live at a facility for the duration of treatment. These programs offer several advantages, including a structured environment, a more intensive experience, and fewer distractions. When comparing different inpatient programs, consider the following:
In North Carolina, there are a few state-operated facilities to make treatment more affordable and accessible. Otherwise, various programs offer a variety of services to help people recover from addiction. Some common services and programs include:
North Carolina offers a variety of drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs for both in-state residents and out-of-state patients. While all addiction treatment programs share the same goal of helping patients find lifelong recovery, their approaches and methodologies often vary from facility to facility.
From holistic treatment programs to long-term and short-term residential facilities, North Carolina hosts many treatment options. Aftercare programs and outpatient drug rehab programs are also available in the state. Choosing the appropriate program will depend on the patient's individual needs as well as the length and severity of their addiction.
Some individuals choose to enter a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program on their own, while others may need encouragement from friends and family. Intervention services may be necessary to help them realize that professional addiction treatment is necessary. An intervention can offer a professional approach for families to have an open discussion with their loved one about their addiction and the effect it has had on their lives.
Many professional interventions are lead by certified clinicians or counselors, such as a psychiatrist or social worker. These individuals have extensive training on how to respectfully approach this type of topic while keeping each patient's family completely involved in the intervention process.
Medical detox helps patients to safely rid their body of drugs or alcohol while clinically managing withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from some substances, like benzodiazepines, alcohol, and opioids, can sometimes cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox provides round-the-clock support to keep patients safe and as comfortable as possible as their body adjusts to sobriety.
Medical detox only treats the physical symptoms of severe addiction and does not treat the mental or emotional aspects that often contribute to addiction. Medical detox is the first step in the addiction treatment process. For long-lasting recovery, detox should be followed by a professional inpatient addiction treatment program that provides therapy and relapse-prevention skills.
During inpatient drug rehab, patients live on-site at the treatment facility. How long treatment lasts is usually determined by the length and severity of the addiction, as well as the programs offered by that specific rehab center.
While living at an inpatient rehab facility, patients are removed from the triggers and stressors of their previous environment. One of the biggest advantages of a residential or inpatient treatment program is the focus on treatment and round-the-clock support it can offer to patients.
Outpatient drug and alcohol rehab takes place in a dedicated meeting facility, but patients return home at night. Outpatient rehab is generally recommended to be utilized after completing an inpatient program. Patients may find additional support with an outpatient program as they make the transition back home.
Outpatient drug rehab programs vary in length and intensity. An intensive outpatient program will usually meet several days each week for five to six hours at a time. Other outpatient programs may only meet one to two days per week for a couple hours at each meeting. If utilizing an outpatient program as a standalone treatment option, it is important to choose one that has a more intensive or comprehensive approach to treatment.
Sometimes called halfway houses, sober living houses are generally used as a step-down level of care for individuals who have completed an inpatient rehab program but are not quite ready to return home. Sober living houses are able to offer continued support to their residents and can often create lifelong friendships among those who live in the homes.
North Carolina sober living homes can provide individuals with a stable transition back to independent living, which can greatly reduce the chance of a relapse in the future.
Aftercare services and alumni programs offer continued transitional support to those who need it. Addiction is a lifelong battle, which is why taking advantage of aftercare services and alumni programs is so important for many individuals.
Aftercare services offer ongoing resources, personalized support and counseling services that encourage patients to practice the skills they learned during inpatient rehab and apply them in their day-to-day lives.
Alumni programs and aftercare are usually offered by the inpatient rehab facility and are made available to patients who have successfully completed their own treatment program. It is not uncommon for patients to participate in alumni programs with friends they had made during inpatient rehab, oftentimes strengthening their friendship and creating a strong bond.
Some clinical and behavioral therapies that are frequently used in North Carolina addiction treatment programs include:
Numerous treatment modalities are used in addiction treatment that is intended to complement or enhance other clinical and behavioral therapies while focusing on whole-body wellness. These treatment modalities are commonly referred to as complementary therapies.
Complementary therapies can include:
Many commercial and private health insurance plans will cover some or all of the cost of addiction treatment. It is important to understand what each plan will and will not cover prior to searching for an addiction treatment program. Variations in coverage may include a length of stay limitations, in-network versus out-of-network facilities, medical detox coverage, and aftercare service options.
Health insurance providers offering coverage in the state of North Carolina may include:
For individuals without health insurance coverage, there are other ways to pay for drug and alcohol rehab. Many rehab programs offer payment plans that can help break down the cost of rehab into more affordable monthly payments. Other individuals may qualify for healthcare loans or financial assistance, taking away the stress of paying for rehab in full.
As you consider the expense of rehab in north-carolina, look at the expense as an investment in your future and your family's. Most rehab programs are able to take partial payment through any PPO, HMO or private insurance plan you have. If you wish to review your eligibility and the price of treatment in NC, call our help line, at no cost to get direct and truthful answers to your questions.
Whether your NC inpatient-residential prescription and street drug treatment with take 28 days or 90 days, beginning your treatment today improves your chances of becoming and staying healthy. Determining a recovery program that can meet your own expectations before you ever arrive there can also help substantially. When you're ready to book treatment, our hotline advisors can help you find the right location so you are completely satisfied.
There is no one-size-fits-all cost of rehab; it can range greatly depending on a number of facets, such as the type of treatment (executive or luxury vs. standard inpatient), the length of stay (90-day vs. 30-day), the location (beach vs. countryside), and insurance policy. If you have insurance, your company will most likely provide at least partial treatment coverage. Make sure to contact your insurance company to learn more about your individual plan. Substance abuse treatment programs in North Carolina accept both federal military insurance, private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.
It’s no secret that rehab can get expensive, especially if you need a longer stay in order to get sober. Don’t sacrifice your health to save some extra money; if you need financial assistance there are ways to make it happen, including.
If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, such as a drug overdose, call 911 immediately. If you’re not in immediate danger, you may utilize some of the resources listed below:
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