When looking for drug or alcohol addiction treatment, cost is often one of the most significant deterrents.
Fortunately, free or low-cost drug rehab centers in North Carolina make it possible for more residents to participate in treatment programs.
Free rehab centers receive funding through federal and state grants, donations, public healthcare such as Medicaid, and other sources.
Drug and alcohol rehab programs may include detoxification, inpatient rehab, outpatient services, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and more.
Keep reading to learn about some of the top low-cost and free addiction treatment centers in North Carolina.
List Of Free Drug Rehab Facilities In North Carolina
The following substance abuse treatment programs in North Carolina are fully or partially funded by grants or other funding, and/or accept public health insurance such as Medicaid.
The addiction treatment programs below are:
- accredited
- certified
- reviewed positively on Google
- backed by client testimonials
- in partnership with valued organizations
1. Addiction Recovery Care Association (ARCA), Winston-Salem, North Carolina
ARCA is a non-profit organization that prioritizes the ability to provide clients with individualized care. The treatment center accommodates less than 50 clients at once, so as to provide more personalized care. Services provide support for physical, mental, and spiritual healing.
This facility combines a family-focused environment with highly skilled staff. It provides cost-effective addiction treatment services, including a residential treatment program, a family program, a Spanish language program, and an aftercare referral. ARCA embraces the elements of the 12-step program and offers evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI) as well as holistic methods like music therapy.
Daily life at ARCA is scheduled by the hour. Clients participate in psychoeducational lectures, individual and group counseling sessions, gender-specific treatment, medical support, relapse prevention education, and onsite Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings.
Location and contact information:
1931 Union Cross Rd.
Winston-Salem, NC 27107
(336) 784-9470
2. A Brighter Start Health And Wellness, Wilmington, North Carolina
A Brighter Start Health and Wellness provides treatment plans for people with drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health services. The facility offers a continuum of addiction treatment options and provides clients with individualized, patient-centric care.
Services provided at this facility include a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and DUI/DWI assessments. PHP is a rehab program that allows clients to live at home while also receiving substantial support throughout their recovery. PHP is considered the ideal bridge between inpatient and outpatient treatment. IOP is recommended for people who are looking to develop a robust support system in recovery while maintaining their day-to-day responsibilities. In IOP, clients are expected to attend sessions for at least nine hours a week.
Location and contact information:
5710 Oleander Dr.
Ste. #100
Winston-Salem, NC 28403
(910) 661-2036
3. Charlotte Rescue Mission, Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte Rescue Mission is a non-profit organization that provides services for people experiencing alcohol and drug abuse, as well as homelessness. The recovery center administers Christian-based services and a 120-day structured, residential program.
Free treatment is provided to qualifying clients. Gender-specific treatment is provided, which includes a residential treatment center that serves women and their children, ages 5 to 11.
After clients complete inpatient rehab, they have the option to participate in Life Skills at Community Matters Cafe, where they can learn life and employment skills in a fast-paced environment. Clients can also live in the Recovery Living transitional housing facility for up to two years. Aside from direct recovery services, the treatment center also manages Keep Educating Yourself (K.E.Y.), which partners with local universities to help graduates start or complete their education.
Location and contact information:
907 W. 1st St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 333-4673
4. Crest View Recovery Center, Asheville, North Carolina
Crest View Recovery Center is an addiction treatment center that provides a continuum of treatment options to accommodate clients at all stages of recovery. The facility is nestled in the serene setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Treatment relies on reality-based therapy, also known as talk therapy and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy offers clients the opportunity to talk through their experiences with addiction, with someone who understands the experience. It focuses on five areas: basic needs, self-worth, love and a sense of community/belonging, life satisfaction, and freedom/independence.
In addition to addiction treatment services, the facility provides services for co-occurring mental health disorders. Holistic treatment is also offered, such as fitness classes, nutrition education, and yoga therapy. After completion of treatment, clients are encouraged to practice aftercare by participating in an alumni group.
Location and contact information:
90 Asheland Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801
(866) 350-5622
5. First Step Services, Raleigh, North Carolina
First Step Services is an outpatient treatment center that provides community-based treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders. It operates with a mission to provide assistance with the issues that are caused by alcohol and drug addiction, and co-occurring disorders.
Patient-centered care is provided, coupled with education and other resources to best serve clients and their families. Additional locations are in Raleigh and Cary.
Most clients attend the treatment facility for 10 to 12 weeks, for an average of three times per week. Intensive outpatient program (IOP) groups typically begin with attendance three times weekly. A variety of weekday and evening classes are available. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) makes use of FDA-approved medications to serve clients with opioid use disorder. First Step Services also provides a range of support services, which include aftercare and alumni programs.
Location and contact information:
211 E. Six Forks Rd.
Ste. 117
Raleigh, NC 27609
(919) 833-8899
6. Freedom House Recovery Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Freedom House Recovery Center is a non-profit behavioral health center that provides an evidence-based, person-centered approach to administering alcohol and drug treatment. The treatment center provides services for adults, adolescents, and children who have been affected by substance abuse, with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as an option for clients with opioid use disorder. The treatment facility has locations in Durham, Chapel Hill, Roxboro, and Warrenton.
The treatment provider was originally founded as a social setting detox and halfway house. It has since adopted its treatment services to offer outpatient and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) along with MAT services. It also maintains a 16-bed inpatient crisis unit to serve adults in need of immediate support for acute substance abuse and/or mental health emergencies. The facility operates with an overall goal to improve the life and well-being of community members.
Location and contact information:
104 New Stateside Dr.
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 942-2803
7. Living Free Ministries, Snow Camp, North Carolina
Living Free Ministries is a drug and alcohol treatment center for men and women that relies on a faith-based, Christian curriculum. Founded in 2008, the facility was established to serve as a refuge for people experiencing substance use issues. The program focuses on teaching people how to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ and how to find freedom through faith.
The facility operates a nine-month inpatient program for men, as well as a program for women known as Mary’s Place. Treatment, which is provided at no cost to the client, occurs in phases: orientation, regeneration, inner healing, and transition. Orientation involves classroom-style learning about the Bible and the importance of accountability. Regeneration focuses on how addiction has affected one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual life. Inner healing emphasizes the underlying issues that contributed to substance abuse and teaches how to build a healthy relationship with God. The final phase, transition, involves mapping a plan for the future that is rooted in faith.
Location and contact information:
1230 Walnut Grove Ln.
Snow Camp, NC 27349
(336) 376-5066
How To Access Free Drug Rehab Programs In North Carolina
There are a number of ways to acquire funding to cover the cost of rehab services, even if you do not have private health insurance.
North Carolina Medicaid (Division Of Health Benefits)
Enrolling in one of North Carolina’s state insurance programs is one of the most tried-and-true methods of acquiring free or low-cost treatment services. North Carolina Medicaid plans cover the cost of rehab programs, or greatly reduce costs, since copays are rendered to as little as $5 for some outpatient services.
You may be eligible for North Carolina Medicaid if you are:
- pregnant
- a cancer patient
- under 19 years old, or over the age of 65
- currently supporting a family member with a disability
- currently making less than $20,120 per year
- a single parent
- disabled
- blind
Government Grants Through The State Of North Carolina
Federal grants, including Access-to-Recovery (ATR) vouchers, are provided through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA offers the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) and the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUBG) to cover substance abuse treatment.
If approved for this funding available through the rehab centers that receive it, clients can have the cost of a rehab program funded in its entirety.
Federally Funded Rehab Programs
State-funded rehab centers in North Carolina receive prior authorization for federal grants and other taxpayer subsidies, which are used to provide treatment to those who cannot afford it.
What Other Low-Cost Drug And Alcohol Treatment Options Exist In North Carolina?
There are other means of acquiring free or low-cost addiction treatment in North Carolina aside from federal grants or state health insurance.
Non-Profit Organizations
Many 501(c)(3) non-profit rehab centers have open-door policies, meaning that anyone who seeks treatment is admitted. Funding comes from public and private donations, scholarships, and more.
Sliding Scale Payment Systems
Adjustable-rate payment systems, such as sliding scales, are used to measure the cost of treatment against income and financial ability, thereby ensuring that treatment remains affordable.
Alternative Funding Sources
Other means of acquiring funding for treatment include scholarships, private and public donations, and financial aid programs provided by some rehab centers.
FAQs About Free Drug Rehab Centers
To further ease your search process, we have provided answers to some commonly asked questions about free drug rehab.
How Long Will My Stay Last At A Free Rehab Center?
Your length of stay at a rehab center greatly depends on the type of treatment you require.
For example, people with more severe addictions typically require long-term inpatient or residential programs, while people with milder addictions may only require outpatient treatment.
Can I Receive Gender-Specific Treatment At Free Rehab Centers?
Yes, some free rehab centers offer gender-specific treatment programs, but not all do. Verify the existence of such a program with the rehab center of your choice.
What Programs Or Services Are Provided In Free Rehab Centers?
Free rehab centers in North Carolina provide a full continuum of healthcare services, including withdrawal management at detox centers, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), counseling, and more. The services you may be able to access depend on the rehab center you attend.
Find An Addiction Recovery Program Today
If you or a loved one is looking for addiction treatment, call Addiction Resource today to discuss treatment options, or to receive a referral.
Find additional free North Carolina rehab centers in a city near you:
Article resourcesAddiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Types of Treatment
https://nida.nih.gov/resehttps://www.addictionresource.net/wp-admin/post.php?post=5963&action=edit#arch-topics/treatment - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Evidence-Based Treatment Resources
https://www.samhsa.gov/resource-search/ebp - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Substance Use Treatment Locator
https://findtreatment.gov/