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Alcohol and Drug Addiction Rehab Treatment in North Carolina

NC Substance Abuse Facts

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 In North Carolina

Substance abuse statistics and population information can help to provide a clear picture of what drug abuse looks like in North Carolina.

Cocaine Abuse

  • 5 percent of high school students (grades 9-12) reported using cocaine at least once in their lifetime.
  • Cocaine is the most commonly abused drug in North Carolina among adults aged 35 and younger.
  • Powdered cocaine and crack cocaine were responsible for 291 overdose deaths in 2015 alone, a statistic that has nearly tripled since 2013.
  • Crack cocaine remains one of the most dangerously abused drugs in North Carolina, with 7 percent of residents aged 18-35 reporting trying it at least once in their lifetime.

Opioid Abuse

  • North Carolina has experienced an 884 percent increase in heroin-related overdose deaths since 2010.
  • Prescription opioid painkillers have topped the charts for overdose deaths for a decade, reaching an all-time high in 2008 and remaining above 600 deaths per year since then.
  • 5 percent of adolescents aged 12-17 admitted to nonmedical use of pain relievers in the past year.
  • The rate of opioids prescribed by physicians in North Carolina has increased tenfold since pain-management protocols changed in the late 1980s.

Alcohol Abuse

  • Alcohol intoxication was responsible for 30 percent of traffic fatalities in the state of North Carolina in 2015.
  • 14 percent of high school students in North Carolina reported that they tried their first drink of alcohol before the age of 13.
  • Costs incurred as a result of alcohol abuse or alcoholism in North Carolina topped $7 billion in 2015. These costs are shared by the state, local municipalities and individuals.

North Carolina's Addiction Prevention Initiatives

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.

Laws of North Carolina Drug Use

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

Marijuana Laws in North Carolina

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

Treatment Facts

  • North Carolina ranks 15th in treatment centers servicing/accepting members of military families per 100,000 residents. Connecticut is just 1 spot better, ranked 14 out of the United States. Montana is ranked one spot worse at spot 16.
  • When adjusted for population, North Carolina ranks 17th in treatment centers servicing/accepting persons with HIV or AIDS. West Virginia is just 1 spot better, ranked 16 out of the United States. One spot worse is New York, ranked 18 in the U.S.
  • For no payment accepted clients, North Carolina ranks 18th in population-adjusted treatment centers. Louisiana is ranked slightly better, ranked 17. Georgia is just 1 spot worse, ranked 19 out of the United States.
  • North Carolina is 18th among U.S. states in treatment centers servicing or accepting active duty military. Connecticut is just 1 spot better, ranked 17 out of the United States. One spot worse is Rhode Island, ranked 19 in the U.S.
  • North Carolina ranks 19th in treatment centers servicing/accepting veterans per 100,000 residents. One spot better is New Jersey, ranked 18 in the U.S. Kansas is just 1 spot worse, ranked 20 out of the United States.

Getting Addiction Treatment Help

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:

  • Consider the price of the program. Some facilities may be more expensive because of their facilities, location, and overall quality.
  • Understand the types of treatment programs available. If you’re unsure what kind of treatment or therapies are best for your situation, you can speak with your doctor or an addiction specialist. If you’re ready to take the next step, but need help weeding through the many options and finding the right fit for you, call us.
  • Read reviews from past patients.

There are many NC addiction treatment centers to choose from—it’s up to you to take the first step.

Choosing The Right Rehab Program In North Carolina

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:

  • Accreditation: Rehab programs can earn accreditation from the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities (CARF). Earning accreditation shows a program has met specific standards of quality treatment.
  • Evidence-based Approaches: An evidence-based approach is a treatment based on scientific evidence. Examples include behavioral therapy and medications to treat addiction.
  • Length/Location: The length of treatment programs vary considerably. Many programs range between 30 and 120 days or longer, but will likely depend on an individual assessment. In some cases, traveling out-of-state may provide the best option.
  • Aftercare and Alumni Services: Some rehab programs offer aftercare services, or a continuity of care, to provide support to clients after treatment. Services may include outpatient counseling or peer sponsorship.
  • Payment: Treatment programs often accept insurance and/or self-pay. Contact the insurance company to find out the specifics of the plan and whether substance abuse rehabilitation is covered.

North Carolina Drug And Alcohol Rehab Services

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:

  • Drug and Alcohol Detox Programs: Detox programs help clients manage withdrawal and prepare for treatment. Programs provide support, medications (if necessary), and a safe environment.
  • Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT): Medication-assisted treatment uses FDA-approved medications, along with therapy or counseling, to reduce cravings and lessen dependence on alcohol and opioids.
  • Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy helps people identify triggers and develop coping skills to maintain recovery. Examples of behavioral therapies include dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
  • Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis): Dual diagnosis programs aim to treat both mental health problems and addiction at the same time. To address both conditions, a multidisciplinary approach with multiple professionals is most effective.

North Carolina Addiction Treatment Programs

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.

Intervention Services

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.

Drug And Alcohol Detox

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.

Inpatient Drug Rehab Programs

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 Rehab

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.

Sober Living Houses

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

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.

North Carolina Addiction Treatment Therapies

Some clinical and behavioral therapies that are frequently used in North Carolina addiction treatment programs include:

  • Individual counseling
  • Group therapy sessions
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Family therapy
  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Treatment for co-occurring disorders (mental health diagnosis and addiction)
  • Gender-specific treatment groups

Complementary Therapies

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:

  • Yoga
  • Journaling
  • Biofeedback
  • Acupuncture
  • Adventure Therapy
  • Equine Therapy
  • Aromatherapy
  • Pilates and other forms of exercise

How To Pay For Addiction Treatment

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:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
  • Humana
  • Cigna
  • Assurant Health

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.

How Much Does a Rehab Treatment Center Cost and Is Insurance Accepted?

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.

Ready to Get Help and Change Your Life for Good?

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.

How Much Does Rehab Cost?

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.

Where Else Can I Find Help?

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.

  • Payment plans and sliding-scale fees: Ask the rehab center if they have discounted rates for low-income earners or installment plans that will reduce the burden of handing over a lump sum up front.
  • Health insurance: If you have private insurance, find a center that accepts your plan. Also ask whether they accept Medicaid or Medicare.
  • Personal loans and health care credit: If you need to pay more than you can afford at the start, you may be able to take out a loan to pay for it or apply for a health care credit card.

Resources in North Carolina

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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