Mental Health and Addiction Treatment | North Carolina

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Medically Reviewed by:

Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne
Chief Medical Officer

At Banyan Treatment Centers, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne leads our nationwide clinical team with over a decade of addiction medicine experience, helping ensure evidence-based, compassionate care across every level of treatment.

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Substance Abuse in North Carolina: A Statistical Overview

North Carolina continues to face significant challenges related to addiction and mental health, but recent data also show signs of meaningful progress.

After years of rising overdose deaths, North Carolina experienced a substantial decline in fatal overdoses in 2024. At the same time, thousands of individuals and families throughout the state continue to live with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and co-occurring disorders.

Understanding the challenges facing North Carolina today can help individuals and families recognize when support may be needed and find the right level of behavioral health care.

1 Location in North Carolina (Coming soon!) Alcohol & Substance Use Treatment

Addiction in North Carolina: Understanding the Current Landscape

North Carolina has been deeply affected by the national opioid and overdose crisis, particularly as illicitly manufactured fentanyl became increasingly present in the drug supply.

However, the latest state data provide an encouraging sign.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), overdose deaths decreased 34% between 2023 and 2024, falling from 4,442 deaths to 2,934.

Opioid-related overdose deaths declined even more sharply, falling 38.3%, from 3,656 deaths in 2023 to 2,254 in 2024.

This marked North Carolina's first decline in overdose deaths since 2019.

While this progress is significant, nearly 3,000 overdose deaths in a single year demonstrate that substance use remains a serious public health concern throughout the state.

North Carolina's Progress in Preventing Overdose Deaths

The recent decline in overdose deaths did not happen in isolation.

North Carolina has expanded several efforts designed to prevent overdose and connect more people with treatment. These include increasing access to naloxone, expanding medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), developing mobile opioid treatment programs, increasing behavioral health urgent care resources, and expanding access to health coverage.

In 2024 alone, NCDHHS distributed more than 150,000 doses of naloxone to community-based organizations throughout North Carolina.

North Carolina has also expanded Medicaid eligibility and behavioral health coverage. Emergency department visits for overdose decreased 29% from 2023 to 2024, while the number of behavioral health providers able to serve Medicaid members increased following expansion.

The progress is encouraging, but prevention is only one part of the solution. Individuals already living with addiction need access to evidence-based treatment and ongoing recovery support.

NC Adults with a Mental Illness

21.3%

NC Adults with Substance Use Disorder

16%

Have Mental Health Needs Met in NC

13%

NC Adults Drink Heavily

1 in 10

1Sources

UNC School of Medicine
Empower Health Group

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Most Affected Groups in North Carolina

Substance abuse affects individuals across all demographics, but certain populations face a higher risk.

Addressing North Carolina’s substance abuse crisis requires comprehensive treatment solutions, including improved treatment access, early intervention programs, and community-based prevention efforts.

Young Adults & College Students

Binge drinking and recreational drug use are particularly common in university towns, where peer influence and social pressures contribute to high consumption rates.

Rural Communities

Methamphetamine and opioid addiction in North Carolina are most prevalent in rural areas, where limited healthcare access creates additional barriers to treatment.

Military Personelle & Veterans

PTSD, chronic pain, and combat-related trauma significantly increase the likelihood of substance use disorders among both active-duty and retired military members.

Low Income Populations

Economic hardship and restricted healthcare access make individuals in lower-income communities more vulnerable to addiction and less likely to receive adequate treatment.

Minority Communities

African American and Hispanic populations often face disparities in treatment access and a higher risk of substance-related health complications.

Youth Population & Adolescents

Early exposure to substances, including alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs, increases the risk of long-term addiction among teenagers.

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Top Abused Substances in North Carolina

Substance use looks different from one individual or community to another. While opioids remain a significant concern, alcohol, stimulants, marijuana, and polysubstance use can also contribute to behavioral health problems throughout North Carolina.

The Opioid Epidemic

North Carolina has been heavily impacted by the opioid crisis, with fentanyl, heroin, and prescription painkillers being the leading causes of overdose deaths. Many individuals struggling with opioid addiction initially received prescriptions for pain management before turning to illicit substances.

Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol remains one of the most commonly abused substances in the state. Excessive drinking is prevalent among adults and young people, leading to long-term health consequences, accidents, and fatalities related to impaired driving.

Methamphetamine

Meth use has been on the rise in North Carolina, particularly in rural communities. The accessibility and affordability of meth have led to increased addiction rates, causing devastating effects on families and communities.

Cocaine

Both powder and crack cocaine are frequently abused in North Carolina’s urban areas. The stimulant’s widespread availability has contributed to substance abuse issues and related criminal activity.

Factors Driving Substance Use Disorder in North Carolina

Several factors contribute to North Carolina’s substance abuse crisis, including:

Economic Hardships – Many communities across the state face unemployment, poverty, and economic instability, which can drive individuals toward substance use as a coping mechanism.
Mental Health Issues – Untreated mental health conditions often lead individuals to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol which in return can lead to co-occurring disorders.
Prescription Drug Availability – The overprescription of opioids has played a critical role in fueling addiction, despite recent measures to curb excessive prescribing.
Limited Treatment Accessibility – While North Carolina has made strides in improving treatment accessibility, rural communities still lack sufficient addiction treatment services.

Mental Health Challenges in North Carolina

Addiction is only one part of North Carolina's behavioral health needs.

Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions affect individuals and families throughout the state.

Mental health symptoms can interfere with relationships, employment, education, physical health, and daily responsibilities. Wi

Depression & Anxiety

Millions of North Carolinians struggle with anxiety and depression, which can be exacerbated by financial stress, relationship issues, and trauma. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified mental health struggles statewide.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is particularly common among military personnel, first responders, and individuals who have experienced abuse or violence. Many of those affected turn to substances to manage their symptoms, leading to co-occurring disorders.

Suicide Rates

Suicide remains a significant concern, with rates increasing in rural areas where mental health resources are limited. Suicide prevention initiatives and accessible mental health care are critical to addressing this crisis.

Improving access to mental health care, recognizing warning signs, and making it easier for people to seek support before reaching a crisis remain essential.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate medical emergency, call 911.

Addiction and Mental Health Care in Rural North Carolina

Where someone lives can affect their ability to access behavioral health care.

Residents of rural North Carolina may face longer travel distances, transportation challenges, fewer behavioral health professionals, and limited access to specialized levels of care.

These barriers can become especially difficult when someone needs structured treatment multiple days per week or requires specialized care for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Telehealth and virtual treatment can help reduce some geographic barriers for individuals who are clinically appropriate for remote care.

North Carolina's Military Community and Behavioral Health

North Carolina has one of the country's strongest military presences, with installations including Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and others.

Active-duty service members, veterans, and military families may face behavioral health challenges associated with deployment, combat exposure, traumatic experiences, chronic pain, relocation, family separation, and the transition from military to civilian life.

PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide risk may intersect, making access to trauma-informed and culturally responsive behavioral health care particularly important.

Treatment for service members and veterans should recognize these experiences rather than treating addiction or mental health symptoms in isolation.

Banyan North Carolina: Coming Soon!

Banyan Treatment Centers is committed to addressing North Carolina’s addiction and mental health crisis through its specialized outpatient services. Our facility provides individualized care for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders, offering evidence-based treatment programs that promote long-term recovery.

Banyan Treatment Centers is excited to announce the upcoming launch of Banyan North Carolina. Our new facility will expand access to high-quality alcohol and drug addiction treatment and mental health services in the state, providing individuals and families with the supportive environment they need to achieve lasting recovery. Stay tuned for more details on our opening date, substance abuse treatment services, and how Banyan North Carolina can help you or your loved one on the path to wellness.

Banyan Treatment Centers is proud to be a part of the solution, offering accessible, evidence-based outpatient treatment. If you or a loved one is seeking help, call us today and take the first step toward recovery and mental wellness.

Our Comprehensive Services

Banyan Treatment Centers offers a full continuum of care, ensuring that individuals receive support at every stage of recovery:

Medical Detox: Medical detox services to help patients safely withdraw from substances.

Inpatient Treatment: Residential programs that provide 24/7 care and support.

Outpatient Programs: Flexible treatment options for individuals balancing recovery with work or family.

Holistic Therapies: Yoga, meditation, art therapy, and more to promote overall wellness.

Aftercare Programs: Long-term support to prevent relapse and sustain recovery.

Guidelines for Selecting a Treatment Facility in North Carolina

Choosing the right treatment facility is a critical step in the recovery process. Here are some key considerations to help guide your decision:

Step 1

Accreditation and Licensing

Ensure the facility is accredited by reputable organizations like the Joint Commission or CARF and licensed by the state of North Carolina. This guarantees adherence to high standards of care and safety.

Step 2

Specialized Services

Look for facilities that offer programs tailored to your specific needs, such as:

Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders.
Mental health specific programs.
Gender-specific care or programs for pregnant women.

Step 3

Qualified Staff

Research the credentials of the facility’s medical and clinical staff. Effective treatment requires experienced professionals, including licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and addiction specialists.

Step 4

Continuum of Care

Choose a facility that provides a full continuum of care, from detox and residential treatment to outpatient services and aftercare support. This ensures a seamless recovery journey without gaps in treatment.

Step 5

Environment and Amenities

Consider the setting of the facility. A peaceful, welcoming environment can significantly enhance the healing process. Banyan’s NC facility are designed to promote comfort and recovery, with amenities that support physical and emotional well-being.

Step 6

Aftercare Services

Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. Ensure the facility offers aftercare programs, relapse prevention plans, and support groups to maintain long-term sobriety and mental health.

Understanding Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Mental health and substance use disorders frequently occur together.

Someone experiencing anxiety may begin relying on alcohol to feel more comfortable socially. A person living with PTSD may misuse substances in an attempt to sleep or suppress difficult memories. Depression can contribute to increased substance use, while prolonged alcohol or drug use can also worsen depression and anxiety.

When both are present, this is often referred to as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis.

Integrated treatment can address substance use and mental health symptoms together rather than expecting someone to resolve one condition before receiving help for the other.

Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Treatment in North Carolina

North Carolina has made several significant changes designed to expand access to behavioral health care.

Medicaid expansion began in December 2023, allowing more eligible North Carolinians to access health coverage, including behavioral health and substance use disorder services.

The state has also expanded its substance use disorder benefits to more closely align with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria. Beginning in 2026, additional stand-alone clinical coverage policies took effect for services including substance use intensive outpatient treatment.

These changes are important because addiction treatment is not one single service. People may require different levels of care at different stages of recovery.

North Carolina Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Close to Home.

North Carolina's recent decline in overdose deaths is an important sign of progress. It demonstrates what can happen when prevention, treatment, harm reduction, health coverage, and community resources become more accessible. But nearly 3,000 North Carolinians still lost their lives to overdose in 2024, and individuals and families throughout the state continue to face addiction and mental health challenges every day. Recovery is not defined by a statistic, and no one should have to determine the right next step alone.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use or mental health, Banyan Treatment Centers can help you understand available treatment options, determine which level of care may be appropriate, and verify available insurance benefits.

Talk To Our Team

North Carolina faces significant substance abuse challenges with a variety of widely misused drugs. Key substances include alcohol, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, prescription medications, and marijuana. It's not uncommon for individuals to experiment with more than one of these substances simultaneously, contributing to complex patterns of abuse.

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Patient Testimonials

    
 
 
        
   Max Pisano 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Trust me I've been to my share of treatment centers but this was by far the best experience I've had. Very 12 step heavy, great groups, staff was amazing. Seriously from John the director to the nursing to elise my therapist to ebony and John the case managers. Amazing staff. I'm leaving confident and motivated. Thank you banyons
  
 
       
   Ricky Hernandez 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at Banyan Palm Springs is amazing: the caseload managers, therapists, group facilitators, and staff. The BHTs, cleaning personal, maintenance crew, and kitchen staff took a personal interest in my recovery and with my aftercare plan. My amazing team at Banyan included Ebony as my caseload manager, and Katrina as my therapist. John, the administrator of the treatment center is present almost daily and he follows through as did the rest of my team and other faculty associates. Jeff facilitates using research based,  empirical experiences, and humor for his morning group. Nick who works in the maintenance department was an influential figure during my full stay. Adventures with Mark are new experiences that recondition the mind that living sober / clean is uber fun. If an addict has the desire to live clean / sober, this is treatment center for you.
  
 
       
   carlos freire 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Banyan saved my life. They call you a client, but i felt like family there. The entire staff is understanding, compassionate, and helpful. The BHT’s Victor, Adriana, Samatha, Sylvia Ms. Shirly, Jenn and the rest are some of the best people I’ve ever met. My therapist Katrina helped me with all of my issues and trauma. She helped me find the person I’ve been longing to be for so long. My case manager Ebony helped with all my legal troubles, applying for disability, and setting up after care. She’s a person who you can talk to, and anything you need she helps whole heartedly. Ebony and Katrina are true angels! Jeff’s morning intention helps you start the day with positive thoughts. Jan and Angie are wonderful people. They do acts of kindness because they are caring individuals.Even Elise and John who have the same roles as Katrina and Ebony made an impact on me, and I wasn’t in their groups.The kitchen staff works hard to make delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On top of keeping snacks and salad bar fully stocked. The also make sure dietary need for clients with allergies, or special diets needs are met. The go above and beyond. The house keeping staff are some of sweetest ladies. They also work very hard to make sure common areas are clean, fresh clean towels & bed sheets when needed, clean floors and bathroom in all the bedrooms. The driver Alberto, Nick and the rest of maintenance personnel are awesome! They will stop and say hello and will ask you about your day. Mackenzie will also ask about your day and has great advice. And you can talk sports with him. Director of operations Johnny is always there for anyone that needs him, even with all the workload he has on his hands. Truly everyone from top to bottom will make an effort to make your time at Banyan the best experience for recovery. They will work with if your work with them, but most importantly work on Yourself. As I’m writing this on my way to the outside world I have a bitter sweet feeling. But I feel confident of my recovery. I’ve been given so many tools, coping skills, and examples of sober fun. And it’s because of Banyan and their amazing staff. Everything the do no matter how small is because they care. Thank you Banyan, the man that walked through the doors is not the same man that walked out. Love you all!
  
 
       
   Ron 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The place has great caring nurses. John my case manager was fantastic and my therapist Elise was incredible.
  
 
       
   Michael Spinale 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff was awesome. My case worker Ebony was extremely helpful and made sure my job was protected with FMLA. My therapist Katrina gave me a lot insight to help me with self compassion.
  
 
       
   Von 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Case management & staff were extremely helpful here getting me on to my next step💪
  
 
       
   Damarius Hicks 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So glad that I chose this place, but im reluctant to say I chose it,because I believe it was GODs choice because he knows whats best for me… The team of Therapists, BHTs,House cleaning staff, nurses, and cooks are very dedicated to the well being of those looking to be helped and healed.. As I write this emotions of love and compassion is starting to overwhelm me.. Words really can’t express the help/healing this place has given me.. But I’ll try. As I think about this place in depth, I think of “prompts attentiveness”. They are their when you need it, with intense attention. I have truly feel in love with this place and can easily see myself coming back to visit some life long friends that I have made amongst the staff... May GOD bless this place and everyone coming here for help and healing..
  
 
       
   Blake Rambo 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience here was amazing! Each staff member there provided with a lot of help. Anything from therapy to case management was great, also the food was good too.They were on top of everything every step of the way. People there are kind helpful.
  
 
       
   Julia K 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience at Banyon. I got to know awesome people and the staff was absolutely amazing. They try to make you as comfortable as possible.
  
 
       
   Scarlet Begonias 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I came to Banyan in a state of decay. Upon arrival I immediately wanted to leave as I always do when I have to face myself, immediately after a huddle of Love started my process of recovery. I have been to many many treatment centers in Southern California as well as my home state. The treatment and encouragement I have received during my 30-day stay has been literally life changing. The tools I have learned and practice now on a daily basis has helped me change my perspective on life as well as eradicating my negative perspective of myself. The nursing staff is top-notch, the therapists and case managers treat everybody as if they are on their own caseload. The  operations directorJohnny  has a personal relationship with every client, and has protected me and encouraged me the whole way through. The behavioral health technicians treat everybody with dignity respect and love. And should I mention that the food is incredible with many options to choose from according to your own personal diet. The adventures they take us on have made my relationships with the other clients into an extended family. My stay here has been just what I needed at just the right time I recommend it to anybody who even thinks they have a problem. You will get what you need and things you didn't even know you wanted out of this treatment center!!!