The State of North Carolina is proactive in battling the drug abuse problem found within its borders, operating 15 facilities statewide to provide mental health and drug and alcohol treatment to citizens in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties. These are joined by 147 private nonprofit rehabilitation centers and an equal number of private for-profit facilities. One treatment center operated by a tribal government brings the total to 362, an impressive number that doubtless contributes to the fact that alcohol abuse in North Carolina is generally below the national norm. Drug dependency is at or just slightly above the national average, reflecting the influx of drugs like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine brought into the state by Mexican drug cartels that hide among the state’s large migrant population.

North Carolina drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation centers have noted this trend over the past 15 years, as shown below. A remarkable drop in alcohol abuse is offset by a sharp rise in various types of drug dependencies. The “opiates not heroin” category indicates the wide range of prescription drugs like Oxycontin, Percocent, Xanax, and Adderall, all widely abused in North Carolina. In addition, the spread and manufacture of methamphetamine was described as “epidemic” by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in 2005. Young people in North Carolina are exposed to club drugs like ketamine, Ecstasy, GHB, LSD, and PCP as well. No part of the state, urban or rural, is immune.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues At-A-Glance, North Carolina
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA),  December 2008

Nor is any age group. Street gangs and drug cartels hoping to widen their markets are targeting younger and younger children, as indicated below. A disturbing percentage of 9^th graders in North Carolina schools admit to having tried marijuana; over 9% had been exposed to it by the age of 13, as opposed to just over 4% of 12^th graders. Clearly, parents should not assume that their children will never seen the inside of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Being proactive in seeking treatment as soon as a substance abuse problem is suspected will greatly enhance the chances of a positive outcome.

If the unthinkable should occur and individuals or families find themselves forced to evaluate the various North Carolina drug and alcohol treatment facilities, they should begin by understanding that not all programs are the same. While 300 of the 362 rehab centers in North Carolina provide outpatient services, only 60 offer residential care, and just 34 offer opioid treatment programs. Only 13% of all North Carolina treatment centers are certified to administer buprenorphine for opiate addictions. The local  treatment center or detox facility, therefore, may or may not offer the type of comprehensive treatment program required for a particular addiction. Likewise, while access to care is broadened by the fact that 42% of North Carolina rehabilitation centers receive some type of local, state, or federal funding, the money is shared and staffing levels will vary, as will facilities and experience. Families will need to educate themselves on the public and private options available and decide which facility is right for them.