Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Substance use disorder is a condition where someone has trouble controlling their use of substances like alcohol and drugs. It can also lead to emotional distress, strained relationships, employment issues, financial difficulties, and health and safety concerns.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, we can help.
At Atrium Health, we offer evidence-based treatment options for those dealing with drug addiction and alcoholism. With both inpatient and outpatient offerings, our expert team is ready to guide and support you on your journey to recovery.
Get treatment for drug and alcohol addiction at a location near you.
Substance addictions we treat
Treatments
We offer proven treatment options and programs for drug addiction and alcoholism. Our inpatient and outpatient programs are grounded in 12-step recovery principles, focusing on your mental, physical and spiritual well-being.
Addiction treatment programs
Inpatient medical detox: Receive round-the-clock medical supervision and support to safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol, using medications and therapeutic approaches to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Intensive outpatient program: Tailored for you as you navigate substance use challenges, this structured outpatient program provides education and support on select days of the week. You gain the ability to practice and apply newly acquired skills in your daily life, both at home and work. The program lasts for 12 weeks, with 3-hour sessions held 3 times each week.
Services
- Substance use assessments: To determine what level of care is needed, you’ll undergo a comprehensive assessment of your history and current use of alcohol or drugs.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): MAT uses evidence-based medications to help normalize brain function, reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. And combines that with counseling and behavioral therapies to address addiction. MAT is offered through our inpatient program.
- Individual counseling (outpatient): Counseling can help identify the root cause of your drug use, repair relationships and help you adopt healthier coping skills (tools for handling life’s challenges).
- Family counseling: This therapeutic approach addresses issues within a family unit, aiming to improve communication and relationships.
- Group counseling: These are therapist-led sessions with multiple individuals, providing support and fostering personal growth through shared experiences and interactions.
- Dialectical behavioral therapy: This therapy cultivates a balance between acceptance and change through mindfulness and validation.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: This therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, supporting the development of healthier mental habits.
- Motivational interviewing: This way of talking helps boost your motivation and commitment to positive change.
- Driving-while-impaired (DWI) assistance: We provide counseling and assistance in navigating the legal process associated with DWI offenses.
- Diagnosing and managing multi-substance use and psychiatric disorders: Simultaneously addressing your substance use and psychiatric disorders, our integrated approach ensures comprehensive care for both addiction and mental health issues.
- Addiction aftercare: We offer ongoing support once you’ve completed addiction treatment. This may include counseling and help connecting with resources that aid in continuing recovery and preventing relapses.
More about addiction aftercare
Support is still needed after you’ve completed the intensive, active phase of treatment. You can participate in aftercare group therapy or meet individually with a therapist as needed.
Our goal in aftercare – the time after a patient leaves a treatment program – is to teach you and your family how to cope with life without the use of substances. During aftercare, with the help of our expert addiction recovery team, you focus on 3 important things:
- You learn how to manage symptoms of the disease (substance use disorder)
- You build a relapse prevention plan
- You find community support
Our aftercare treatment for substance use disorders includes:
- Education on recovery tools and preventing relapse
- Introduction to additional community resources
- Access to group meetings, where you receive support from others on the same journey
- Instruction for the family in recovery, as substance use disorder impacts the entire family
Make a referral
Inpatient addiction medicine consults: Place Epic order for “inpatient consult to addiction services.”
Outpatient addiction services: Place Epic order for “ambulatory referral to addiction services” and choose the patient’s preferred addiction services location.
For urgent or external referrals, contact Atrium Health Addiction Services Ballantyne at 704-446-0391 or Atrium Health Addiction Services Charlotte at 704-344-3290.
Atrium Health Mercy Medical Detox: Request admission by calling 704-304-5248 for admission screening.
Our Providers
Meet this location’s providers and find the one for you. Use the filters to narrow your search.
The causes of addiction are complex and diverse. Genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, trauma and environmental influences can contribute to the development of addiction.
Signs of drug and alcohol addiction include:
- Increased tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Loss of control over use
- Neglect of responsibilities
- Continued use despite negative consequences
Long-term drug and alcohol addiction can have severe consequences on physical and mental health, including:
- Organ damage
- Increased risk of chronic diseases, like cirrhosis
- Mental health disorders
- Impaired cognitive function
- Social and economic challenges
Withdrawal is the set of symptoms that occur when a person who is physically dependent on a substance, such as drugs or alcohol, abruptly stops or reduces their intake. It happens as the body adjusts to the absence of the substance, leading to various physical and psychological effects. Withdrawal can be a challenging process and often requires medical supervision for a safe and more comfortable experience.
Withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the substance but may include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability Mental health disorders
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Cravings for substances
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice between inpatient and outpatient treatment depends on the individual’s needs, severity of addiction and personal choices.
A 12-step recovery program is a structured approach to addiction recovery that highlights mutual support and spiritual principles. Participants acknowledge the powerlessness over their addiction, surrender to a higher power and engage in self-reflection. The program involves attending meetings, working through steps that include personal inventory and making amends, and providing ongoing support to others in recovery. It aims to foster spiritual growth, accountability and a lifelong commitment to sobriety.