North Carolina Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Center

The state of North Carolina was awarded $31 million in 2017 to help combat the current opioid overdose crisis.¹ 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.^1,2

Of the 1,567 drug overdose deaths in NC in 2015,² about 80% were due to opioids, such as prescription painkillers and heroin.^3,4,5

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.⁶

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.⁷ In North Carolina, 16,000 residents use heroin every year, a number that could continue to increase as prescriptions for opioids rise.⁸

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 .
• 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.

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.

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:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255.
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline (for individuals with substance use and/or mental disorders): (800) 662-4357.
• State Operated Healthcare Facilities in NC
• Department of Social Services: Offers support and counseling to those suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction.
• Supported Housing: Database to find available housing in North Carolina for low-income individuals.
• Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities: Provides addiction treatment services to individuals in the criminal justice system.
• Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in North Carolina.
• Narcotics Anonymous, North Carolina region.

Health Insurance Providers

• UnitedHealthcare
• Cigna
• Kaiser Permanente
• Humana
• Ambettter
• Aetna

1. NC Health and Human Services. (2017). Governor Cooper Announces $31 Million Grant to Fight Opioid Epidemic in NC.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Drug Overdose Death Data.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Prescription Opioid Overdose Data.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Synthetic Opioid Data.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Heroin Overdose Data.
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Opioid Painkiller Prescribing Infographic.
7. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2015). Prescription opioid use is a risk factor for heroin use.
8. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.