Addiction Treatment Guide: Rehab & Detox Resources in Charlotte, NC

Local Resources & Information to Start Your Journey Toward Sobriety

There is hope for those struggling with addiction in Charlotte

Known as the “Queen City” of North Carolina and its largest city, Charlotte is the state’s commercial hub. Some of the most esteemed higher-education institutions, banking centers, and attractions are found in Charlotte, however, the city’s residents still struggle with mental health and substance use problems.

Fortunately, the Charlotte community offers several treatment centers with tailored programs to address drug and alcohol addiction and promote recovery. Whether you’re looking for detox, behavioral therapies, or comprehensive aftercare programs, if you need substance abuse treatment in Charlotte, NC, you have people to turn to for help.

Types of Addiction Treatment in Charlotte, NC

Rehab centers in Charlotte, NC, offer different levels of care and therapies to ensure you have the individualized therapy you need to reach your recovery goals.

Psychological Assessment

An important first step in seeking treatment is undergoing an assessment to determine any underlying factors that could affect recovery. Upon undergoing the psychological assessment, you will be provided with a plan for care with the assistance of medical professionals.

Medical Detox

Medical detox is a necessary step to entering addiction treatment. Alcohol and most drugs have withdrawal syndromes that can be extremely uncomfortable, if not dangerous, to experience. Medical detox provides a supervised environment to keep you as comfortable and safe as possible while the drug clears your system.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, offers comprehensive, live-in options to give you support and structure in the early stages of recovery. You will have peer support and staff support with medical supervision, structured therapeutic activities like group and individual counseling, and complete focus on the work you need to do.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment

If you need intensive therapy but prefer to live at home, intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment gives you flexibility without compromising the support and therapy you receive. This typically involves scheduled treatment sessions during the day, but you have time to manage work or home responsibilities outside of treatment.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment offers more flexibility for people who need to balance their recovery with other daily responsibilities. Less intensive than IOP, outpatient treatment has scheduled treatment sessions that allow you to work around your schedule and stay on track with your goals.

Aftercare

There’s no box to check or destination to reach for “recovery.” It’s an ongoing process, so many people benefit from continuing to work on themselves with continued therapy and peer support in aftercare programs. Aftercare provides lasting support and resources to help you transition into everyday life with sobriety, including alumni programs, resources for professional or legal concerns, and more.

Tips for Choosing a Drug Rehab Center for Your Loved One in Charlotte

While you have plenty of rehab centers in Charlotte, NC, to choose from, it’s important to find the right fit for your needs.

Here are some things to consider:

What are your requirements?

Each recovery journey is unique. Look for a tailored treatment program that offers the ideal therapies for your substance use disorder or mental health disorder. Getting the right foundation is important for successful recovery.

Do you want to stay home or live in a facility?

While the choice between inpatient and outpatient lies partly in how much structure and support you need, not every facility offers the same programs. Evaluate your options and consider what setting is the best for your needs and goals.

What’s the care quality?

Fancy treatment centers may look nice, but the quality of care you will receive is the single most important aspect of choosing a treatment center. Look for well-trained staff, tailored treatment plans, individualized care, and positive reviews from previous clients. Other amenities are just a bonus.

Is your insurance accepted?

Some insurance providers offer full or partial coverage for substance abuse treatment in Charlotte, NC. Speak to your potential treatment centers to learn what insurance they accept and navigate the ins and outs of your coverage.

Continuing Recovery Care & Sober Living Programs in Charlotte

Completing formal detox and an addiction treatment program in Charlotte, NC is just part of the battle. After rehab, you will likely be met with new struggles as you readjust to everyday life without substances. This can be challenging for many people, leading to relapse.

Sober living programs, also known as sober homes or halfway houses, are a great step before full independence. While less strict than inpatient or IOP, sober living programs offer supportive environments with a sense of accountability. There are curfews, group meetings, recovery gatherings, and house chores and rules to instill responsibility and commit to a lifestyle free of drugs and alcohol.

The amenities in sober living homes can vary from necessities to more luxurious options. The rules of each house are also diverse. For example, the Oxford Houses, a longstanding sober living community with regional homes, are self-supported and democratically run, but there are more decadent homes with private and semi-private rooms.

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Emergency Services for Substance Abuse and Addiction in Charlotte

If you’re experiencing an immediate substance-related crisis, Charlotte offers quality hospitals and emergency care.

Community Resources for Mental Health & Addiction

Alcoholics Anonymous

SMART Recovery

Refuge Recovery

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcan Classes and Overdose Prevention Training

Local Stats You Need to Know

Drug use and overdoses are on the rise across North Carolina, including Mecklenburg County and the Charlotte Metro area. Between 2017 and 2019, the drug overdose death average in Mecklenburg County was 19, which is an increase of 1.13% from the previous year.[1]

In 2023, drug-related overdose visits to emergency departments reached 1,668 in Mecklenburg County, compared to 1,328 in 2022.[2] These were determined to have dependency potential.

Alcohol use is also a growing problem. In 2019, 18.2% of the population in Mecklenburg County reported binge or heavy drinking.[3] The county is second only to Onslow County in residents engaging in excessive drinking.

Start Your Recovery in Charlotte

Ready to take the first step in your recovery? Rehab centers in Charlotte, NC, are standing by to help.

Sober Activities in Charlotte

Charlotte is filled with fun things to see and do, many of which don’t involve drugs and alcohol. Here are some great ways to explore the culture of the city:

How to Pay for Addiction Treatment in Charlotte

The cost of addiction treatment can be a concern when people choose recovery. Fortunately, there are options to help you pay for treatment at Charlotte rehab centers.

If you have health insurance, addiction treatment may be completely or partially covered. However, it varies significantly by your provider, plan, and coverage. Insurance providers usually have in-network providers who have contracts with insurance companies to provide lower prices for members.

If you choose an out-of-network provider for your addiction treatment, you may have more out-of-pocket expenses for your treatment. Be sure to speak to your insurance provider and any rehab centers you’re considering to ensure you understand the financial aspects of your treatment.

For those without insurance or without adequate coverage, some treatment centers offer flexible payment plans or income-based fees to help with paying for treatment. There are also state-funded programs, free or low-cost treatment centers, and grants or other forms of non-profit financial assistance available for those in need. For example, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services can help you find resources for financial assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Attending Rehab in Charlotte

How Long Does Rehab Last?

Treatment for drug and alcohol addiction is highly individualized and can last from a few weeks to several months. Typically, plans are 30, 45, 60, or 90 days, however. Plans can also change as your needs or progress changes.

What Is a Normal Day in Rehab Like?

There is no “normal day” in rehab because the day-to-day experiences depend on the rehab center and your individualized care plan. Usually, addiction treatment starts with detox, then you enter into an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. Some of the activities can vary, but both inpatient and outpatient rehab often involve a range of therapies, including behavioral therapies, group therapy, and individual therapy.

What Can I Bring to Rehab?

Every rehab center has different rules and restrictions about what their clients can bring with them. Necessities like toiletries are usually acceptable, as well as cash, a journal or notebook, and stamps and envelopes to write letters to friends and family. Naturally, no drugs are allowed unless it’s a preapproved prescription, and there may be a dress code limiting what you can wear. You can always check with the rehab before you’re admitted.

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