Alcohol Rehab in North Carolina

Alcohol use disorder doesn’t get better on willpower alone. For most people, real recovery starts when they walk into a structured treatment program with clinicians, peers, and a plan. Southeastern Recovery Center provides alcohol rehab to people across North Carolina, with our clinical building based in Charlotte. We offer outpatient detox onsite, partnerships with trusted inpatient detox facilities for clients who need that level of medical supervision, and the full continuum of treatment after detox: residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), traditional outpatient, and aftercare.

We’re accredited by The Joint Commission and licensed by the State of North Carolina. We’re in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and accept all other major insurance carriers to cover the cost of treatment.

If you or someone you love is ready to take the first step, we have admissions specialists answering the phone 24 hours a day, every day. We specifically designed our program to be intimate so that when you are a patient here, you get to know each staff member personally, which we believe leads to better treatment outcomes and long-term sobriety. This has also allowed us to have a 90% program completion rate for our patients.

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Treatment Modalities

Levels Of Care

Our North Carolina Alcohol Treatment Programs

Alcohol use disorder isn’t one experience. Some people need around-the-clock medical supervision to safely come off alcohol. Others need a structured day program but want to sleep at home. Some need both, in sequence. We meet people where they are with a full continuum of care. Every person is at a different point when they call into our admissions team, so we come up with a treatment plan specific to each person that will work best, no two are the same.

Medical Detox

For clients who need inpatient medical detox, we partner with trusted detox facilities in the Charlotte area and arrange transportation to the facility that best fits your needs. Once you’re medically stable, we transport you back to our program to continue treatment. For clients who don’t require inpatient medical supervision, we offer outpatient detox at our Charlotte clinical building, with daily medical check-ins and supportive medications when appropriate.

Residential Treatment

A live-in program where clients spend roughly 30 to 90 days in our care, fully focused on recovery. The day is structured around individual therapy, group therapy, evidence-based treatment for any co-occurring conditions, healing modalities like equine therapy and breathwork, and the routine work of rebuilding a life that doesn’t depend on alcohol.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Sometimes called “day treatment.” PHP is intensive, structured care during the day, usually 5 to 7 hours, 5 days a week, while clients return home or to sober living at night. It’s a step down from residential or a step up from outpatient, depending on the path.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Our in-person IOP runs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. It’s designed for clients who can hold a job or family commitments while still committing serious time to recovery. Clients outside the Charlotte area can join our virtual IOP instead.

Outpatient Care

Weekly individual therapy and group sessions for people who have completed a higher level of care or whose alcohol use disorder is mild enough that they don’t need the full daily structure.

Aftercare and Alumni Support

Recovery doesn’t end when treatment ends. Our alumni program connects clients with peer support, structured check-ins, and ongoing resources for the long road past discharge.

What Our PHP Weekly Schedule Looks Like

Day	9:30 – 10:00 AM	10:00 – 11:30 AM	11:30 AM – 12:30 PM	12:30 – 2:00 PM	2:00 – 3:30 PM	3:30 – 4:30 PM
Monday	Morning check-in	Group / Individual therapy	Lunch	Process group / CBT	Experiential therapy	Motivational interviewing
Tuesday	Morning check-in	Group / Individual therapy	Lunch	Travel to Triple Play Farms; equine begins at 1:00 PM	Equine therapy	Travel back to clinical building
Wednesday	Morning check-in	Group / Individual therapy	Lunch	Process group / CBT	Art therapy	Motivational interviewing
Thursday	Morning check-in	Group / Individual therapy	Lunch	Process group / CBT	Yoga	Motivational interviewing
Friday	Morning check-in	Group / Individual therapy	Lunch	Process group / CBT	Experiential therapy	Motivational interviewing
Saturday	Morning check-in	Group / Individual therapy	Lunch	Process group / CBT	Experiential therapy	Motivational interviewing

Why Choose Southeastern Recovery Center for Alcohol Rehab

Choosing where to get help for alcohol use disorder is one of the most consequential decisions a person can make. Here’s what makes Southeastern Recovery Center different.

Clinical leadership you can name

Our alcohol program is led by Rhett Owensby, LCAS, our clinical lead. The LCAS credential (Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist) is a North Carolina state license held only by clinicians who specialize specifically in substance use disorders. Our medical director is Dr. David Stern, who is board certified in addiction medicine. That combination of dedicated addiction-specific licensure on the clinical side and board-certified addiction medicine on the medical side is something many residential programs in North Carolina do not have.

Accreditation that matters

We are accredited by The Joint Commission and licensed by the State of North Carolina. State licensure is the floor for operating in North Carolina; Joint Commission accreditation is the level above that.

A continuum of care under one program

Many rehab centers handle one or two levels of care and refer everything else out. We offer the full continuum: outpatient detox onsite, partner relationships for inpatient detox with transportation, residential, PHP, IOP, outpatient, and aftercare. That continuity matters, because clients aren’t shuffled between unfamiliar programs at every step of recovery.

Charlotte location, statewide reach

Our clinical building is in Charlotte, NC. We serve clients from Charlotte and the surrounding communities (Matthews, Concord, Huntersville, Gastonia, the broader Mecklenburg County area), and from across North Carolina. We arrange transportation to and from partner detox facilities for clients who need inpatient detox before joining our program.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is more than “drinking too much”—it’s a chronic brain condition that affects decision-making, behavior, and physical health. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 29.5 million people in the United States aged 12 and older struggled with AUD in 2021.

In North Carolina, alcohol abuse has reached alarming levels. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports that more than 6,300 deaths in 2021 were linked to excessive alcohol use. Meanwhile, binge drinking continues to affect more than 18% of the state’s adult population. Even among adolescents, the problem is growing—about one in four North Carolina high schoolers admit to drinking alcohol in the past month.

These statistics speak to a wider issue: alcohol misuse has become normalized in many social and professional settings. But when it starts interfering with your daily life, it’s no longer “normal.” That’s where rehab for alcohol comes in.

Why is Alcohol So Addictive?

Part of the reason that alcohol is so addictive is because its consumption is so normalized. From a day drinking the happy hour to birthday parties and nights at bars, it’s almost a social handicap not to drink. This is also why consideration for personal environment plays a big part in understanding and combating alcohol addiction.

When an individual drinks alcohol, their inhibitions are lowered and they feel a light buzz in their body while dopamine receptors fire in their brain. These bodily reactions can lead an individual to constantly seek out alcohol as a way to combat anxiety or to temporarily boost your mood.

This is when alcohol consumption can lead to a dependence on addiction to its effects. Additionally, as the body grows used to having alcohol present, your brain will alter how it produces chemicals to adjust for this constant presence. Once an individual has reached the stage, attempting to quit alcohol will result in withdrawal symptoms, which also make it harder for them to stay clean.

How Bad Is the Alcohol and Addiction Crisis in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, NC?

The alcohol and addiction crisis in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County reflects a serious and growing public health emergency, with North Carolina ranking last in the nation for access to quality addiction treatment in 2024. The statistics below, drawn from state and federal health agencies, reveal the scale of the problem and the significant gaps in treatment access that continue to leave most who need help without it.

Statistic	Data
Adults in NC estimated to have Alcohol Use Disorder	9.61% (approximately 1 in 10 NC adults)
Adults in Mecklenburg County estimated with AUD	7.19% to 8.36%
NC alcohol-related deaths per year (2023)	Over 5,800 (2,029 immediate; 3,799 long-term)
NC alcohol-related emergency department visits (2023)	66,000 and above
NC economic cost of alcohol misuse (2023)	Approximately $15 billion
Adults in NC who drank alcohol in the past month	45.27% (approximately 4.1 million adults)
Adults in NC classified as heavy drinkers	Approximately 445,000 (1 in 10)
Drug and alcohol overdose deaths in Mecklenburg County (2021 to 2022)	Up 22% year over year
Rise in overdose deaths among Black and Hispanic Mecklenburg residents since 2019	Up 200% (vs. 14% for White residents)
Adults in NC who needed treatment but did not receive it	77.26% treatment gap
NC adults citing cost as a barrier to addiction treatment	44.8%
NC rank for access to quality addiction treatment (2024)	Last in the nation

Sources: NC DHHS Alcohol and Related Harms Data (2023): https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/chronic-disease-and-injury/injury-and-violence-prevention-branch/north-carolina-alcohol-use-and-related-harms-prevention/data | SAMHSA 2022 to 2023 NSDUH NC State Tables: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt56188/2023-nsduh-sae-state-tabs-north-carolina.pdf | Mecklenburg County Public Health (2024 to 2025): https://news.mecknc.gov/mecklenburg-county-reports-200-rise-overdose-deaths-among-black-and-hispanic-residents | NAMI Charlotte (2024): https://namicharlotte.org/state-mental-health-america/ | NAMI NC State Fact Sheet: https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NorthCarolinaStateFactSheet.pdf

Why is Alcohol Consumption a Concern in North Carolina?

The fact that alcohol consumption is so normalized across the state of North Carolina means that some of the alarming statistics either go ignored or downplayed.

Let’s look at alcohol consumption on a local level:

Approximately 4.1 million adults in North Carolina drink alcohol, which is equivalent to almost one in every two adults. Additionally, of those who drink, 25% are binge drinking and 10% are drinking heavily.
Additionally, about 108,000 high school students in North Carolina drink alcohol, which is about 20%. Half of these students are binge drinking.
In 2023, 5828 people in North Carolina died from alcohol attributable deaths.

Alcohol consumption in Charlotte and across North Carolina is so normalized that individuals may not believe they have a dependence or addiction until it’s too late.

How to Recognize an Alcohol Addiction

If you want to look out for signs of alcohol addiction, here are some common tells:

Consuming more alcohol then initially planned
Inability to stop alcohol consumption
Developing a tolerance to alcohol and needing to consume more to feel its effects
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and shaking when trying to stop alcohol consumption

It can be difficult for someone to try to rehab for alcohol at home if their environment isn’t safe and encouraging. This is why it’s advantageous to visit a rehab facility like Southeastern Recovery Center to ensure you’re receiving 24/7 support and medical guidance from individuals who are prioritizing your comfort and safety.

Does Alcohol Rehab and Treatment for AUD Actually Work? What the Research Shows

Research consistently shows that professional treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder significantly improves outcomes, with people who seek help being twice as likely to recover compared to those who go without. The data below, drawn from the NIH, NIAAA, SAMHSA, and other leading research bodies, highlight recovery rates, treatment effectiveness, and the critical importance of medically supervised care. Despite this evidence, only 7.5% of U.S. adults with AUD received treatment in 2023, underscoring how far access still lags behind need.

Research Finding	Data
People with AUD who receive professional treatment vs. no treatment	Twice as likely to recover (NIH)
Overall AUD recovery rate	3 out of 4 people with AUD eventually recover (NIAAA)
Abstinence rate at 1 year for residential alcohol rehab	40% to 60%
Abstinence rate at 6 months for outpatient or IOP alcohol treatment	50% to 60%
CBT for AUD: abstinence rate at 1 year	60% to 70%
Naltrexone or acamprosate (MAT): relapse risk reduction vs. placebo	Up to 36% reduction
Combined medication and therapy: reduction in drinking days	Up to 70%
12-step facilitation (Project MATCH): sobriety at 3-year follow-up	49% of participants
Alcohol withdrawal seizure risk without medical supervision	5% to 10% of cases
Delirium tremens fatality rate without medical treatment	15% to 37%
Delirium tremens fatality rate with medically supervised detox	Under 1%
U.S. adults with AUD who received treatment in 2023	Only 7.5% (approximately 2.0 million of 27.9 million)

Sources: NIAAA Alcohol Facts and Statistics (2024): https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics-z/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-treatment-united-states | SAMHSA 2024 National NSDUH Report: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt56287/2024-nsduh-annual-national-report.pdf | NIH National Library of Medicine: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ | Project MATCH Research Group: available via PubMed

How does Alcohol Addiction Start?

Alcohol addiction starts when an individual’s first drink. This can happen when they turn 21, when it’s almost seen as a social right of passage to go for a drink. Otherwise, it can happen while they’re underage, where even teenagers getting their hands on alcohol has become part of acceptably unacceptable behavior.

The more social opportunities an individual is presented with the drink, the more likely they are to grow hooked on the effects of alcohol in their body. They may find themselves consistently peer pressured into drinking more than they originally planned as social outings. Then, drinking more than planned may become their norm rather than a one off event.

The social environment in North Carolina and across the United States is so geared towards promoting alcohol consumption that an individual may not notice that they develop dependence when addicted to alcohol.

Evidence-Based Therapies for Alcohol Use Disorder

The therapeutic work in our alcohol rehab program isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different modalities serve different parts of recovery, and your treatment plan combines several based on what you need. We have clinicians who specialize in different therapies, and we match each client with the clinician whose approach fits them best.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The backbone of evidence-based addiction treatment. CBT helps people identify the thought patterns and triggers that fuel drinking, and develop concrete strategies to interrupt them.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Builds skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Especially useful for people whose drinking is tied to overwhelming emotions or trauma.
Motivational Interviewing. A clinical approach that meets people where they are in the change process, especially when ambivalence about quitting is high.
Trauma-Informed Care and EMDR. For clients whose alcohol use is connected to unprocessed trauma, treating the trauma is part of treating the addiction.
12-Step Facilitation. Helps clients connect with the broader recovery community through Alcoholics Anonymous and similar programs.
Group Therapy. Where shame loses its power. Working through recovery alongside other people in similar situations is one of the highest-impact parts of the program.
Family Therapy. Alcohol use disorder affects the whole family system. Family sessions help repair relationships and equip loved ones to be part of long-term recovery.
Experiential Therapies. Equine therapy, breathwork, and other body-based modalities address what talk therapy alone often can’t reach.

Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Mental Health Care

Alcohol use rarely shows up alone. Many of our clients are also managing one or more co-occurring mental health conditions, and the recovery work is more durable when both are treated together. We’re equipped to provide integrated care for clients dealing with:

Anxiety disorders and panic. Alcohol is one of the most common ways people self-medicate for anxiety. The work involves treating the anxiety directly so the alcohol becomes unnecessary, not just unavailable.
Depression. A major driver of drinking and a major consequence of long-term alcohol use. Antidepressant medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes are all part of the picture.
Post-traumatic stress disorder. Trauma is one of the strongest predictors of alcohol use disorder. We offer trauma-focused therapies including EMDR within the alcohol program.
Bipolar disorder. Alcohol can mask or intensify mood episodes. Mood stabilization is a core piece of treatment when bipolar is part of the picture.
Other conditions. ADHD, eating disorders, and other co-occurring concerns are addressed within the same integrated treatment plan.

Integrated treatment, often called dual diagnosis care, is the standard of care for clients managing both substance use and mental health concerns at the same time.

Signs You May Need Alcohol Rehab

Recognizing that alcohol has become a problem is often the hardest part. When clients reach out to us, we know that this is one of the hardest parts of the entire journey, so our team is going to do everything we can on our end to make accessing our facility as easy as possible. People who eventually enter treatment usually describe a pattern of warning signs that built over months or years before they reached out:

Drinking more than you intended to, more often than you intended to
Trying to cut back or stop and not being able to
Spending significant time drinking, recovering from drinking, or thinking about the next drink
Cravings that interfere with work, family, or daily routines
Continuing to drink despite consequences to health, relationships, work, or the law
Needing more alcohol to get the same effect (tolerance)
Experiencing physical withdrawal when alcohol leaves your system

When alcohol withdrawal means you need medical detox

Withdrawal symptoms like shakes, tremors, sweating, anxiety, nausea, or insomnia after stopping or cutting back on alcohol are signs that your body has become physically dependent on alcohol. In severe cases, withdrawal can include hallucinations, seizures, or delirium tremens, which can be life-threatening. Detoxing from alcohol at home without medical supervision is dangerous when withdrawal is severe. If any of these symptoms apply to you or someone you love, please call us so we can help arrange an appropriate level of detox care.

What to Expect: Your First 30, 90, and 180 Days in Recovery From Alcohol

Recovery doesn’t happen in a weekend, and it doesn’t happen on a fixed timeline. But there are predictable milestones in the first year that most clients move through. Knowing what’s ahead helps both clients and families set expectations.

Days 1 to 30: Stabilization

The first 30 days are about getting safe, getting sober, and getting the basics in place. If detox is needed, this is when it happens. Sleep starts to normalize. Cravings are real but begin to ease. Therapy starts unpacking the patterns that fueled drinking. Family work begins. Many clients describe this stage as exhausting and clarifying at the same time.

Days 31 to 90: Building the foundation

Most clients step down from residential or PHP into our in-person IOP program, which runs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The average length of stay in IOP is 90 days. The schedule is intentional: evening hours mean clients can return to work or family responsibilities during the day while still getting serious therapeutic work three nights a week. Clients who don’t live in the immediate Charlotte area can join our virtual IOP instead, with the same curriculum and clinical structure delivered online.

Days 91 to 180: Extending stability

Longer-term recovery muscles get built here. Clients are usually in IOP or weekly outpatient, returning to work or family life while still in clinical care. Trauma work, relapse-prevention work, and the practical work of building a sober daily life happen in this stage. Old patterns and old people occasionally test new boundaries, and the support structure gets battle-tested.

Days 181 to 365: Living recovery

By the end of the first year, most clients are out of formal treatment and into an alumni or aftercare relationship with us. Daily life looks more like daily life again. Recovery is a habit instead of a project, and the work continues alongside everything else. For clients who need additional structured support during this period, we own a network of sober living homes where clients can live while they rebuild their lives, return to work, and continue applying recovery skills in a stable environment with peer accountability.

Year 1 and beyond

Recovery is lifelong, but that doesn’t mean treatment is. Many of our alumni stay connected to our community for years through alumni events, peer support, and occasional clinical check-ins.

Family Support and Involvement

For most clients, alcohol use disorder didn’t only affect them. Spouses, parents, children, and close friends often carry the weight too, sometimes for years before treatment starts. Healing the family system is a core part of the work at Southeastern Recovery Center.

We offer family therapy sessions throughout the treatment continuum, education for family members about alcohol use disorder and the recovery process, and support for setting healthy boundaries that protect both the person in recovery and the people who love them. Family involvement is correlated with better long-term recovery outcomes, and we make it easy for families to participate, whether they live nearby or somewhere else in North Carolina or beyond.

Paying for Rehab: Insurance We Accept

The cost of alcohol rehab is one of the first practical questions almost everyone asks. The honest answer: for most people with insurance, what you pay out of pocket is significantly less than the sticker price.

Southeastern Recovery Center is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and we accept all other major insurance carriers, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, AmeriHealth, UMR, GEHA, Tricare, and others. Our admissions team can verify your benefits confidentially, usually within the same business day, and walk you through what your specific plan covers and what (if anything) you’d be responsible for out of pocket.

For clients without insurance, we offer self-pay options and can discuss financing arrangements during admissions.

What Our Clients Say About Our Alcohol Program

“Southeastern Recovery honestly changed my life. I came in struggling bad with alcohol, and for the first time I felt like people actually cared and wanted to help me get better. Every therapist and staff member treated me with respect and were there for me the whole time. I’ve been to 5 different rehab centers before this, and none of them even came close to Southeastern. The doctor was incredible too. I’m just really thankful for this place and everything they did for me.”

— Chris P., Southeastern Recovery Center alcohol program alumnus

Accreditation and Licensure

Southeastern Recovery Center is accredited by The Joint Commission and licensed by the State of North Carolina. The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval is the most rigorous independent accreditation in U.S. healthcare and is the same standard that applies to hospitals and major medical centers.

For families and clients, that combination matters because it’s external, independent confirmation that the care we provide meets clinical, ethical, and safety standards beyond the minimums required just to operate.

What Happens in Alcohol Rehab in North Carolina?

Southeastern Recovery Center provides a structured, supportive, and customized treatment process, serving all North Carolina residents from Greensboro, Raleigh, Charlotte, and more. As a rehab center in NC, we believe it’s our responsibility to meet your specific needs, regardless of specific location or other perceived limitations. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

Initial Assessment & Admission

Every client starts with a comprehensive intake assessment. We gather details about your drinking history, physical health, co-occurring mental health issues, and personal goals. This helps us develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

Medically Supervised Detox

For those who need it, detox is the first clinical step. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, which is why we offer 24/7 monitoring and medication-assisted treatment to manage symptoms and keep you comfortable and safe.

Individual Therapy

One-on-one counseling provides a private space to explore the underlying emotional triggers and patterns that fuel alcohol use. Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care help you process past experiences and build healthier coping skills.

Group Therapy

Healing in community is powerful. Our group sessions offer support from peers who understand what you’re going through. These sessions cover relapse prevention, emotional regulation, communication skills, and shared life experiences.

Family Therapy and Education

Addiction affects more than just the individual. We offer family counseling to help repair relationships, set boundaries, and teach family members how to be supportive without enabling. Family involvement improves long-term recovery outcomes.

Life Skills & Relapse Prevention Training

Recovery requires more than sobriety—it requires new habits and tools. We provide workshops on stress management, emotional regulation, time management, job readiness, and relapse prevention strategies.

Aftercare Planning

Before discharge, we work with you to create a detailed aftercare plan. This might include outpatient therapy, 12-step or peer support groups, sober living, or participation in our alumni community. Recovery doesn’t stop when rehab ends—we’re here for the long haul.

How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically begin within six to 24 hours after your last consumption, and tend to last for 24 to 72 hours. In some cases it can last up to weeks. Symptoms include:

Nausea
Insomnia
Sweating
Tremors
Vomiting

These symptoms tend to be at their worst from 24 to 72 hours after your last drink. This is also when the risk of a seizure is at its highest. This is why individuals are best off not trying to detox from alcohol at home, but rather seeking help from medical professionals.

At Southeastern Recovery Center, our patients receive 24/7 medical care while they experience the detox symptoms while attending rehab for alcohol. Medically-assisted detox is available as well. Our patients also receive:

Medical evaluation and stabilization
Nutritional support and hydration therapy
Medications (if appropriate) to ease symptoms
Emotional support from licensed clinicians

What Are the Alcohol Use Disorder Rates and Treatment Gaps in North Carolina and the United States?

Alcohol Use Disorder affects nearly 28 million Americans and approximately 1 in 10 adults in North Carolina, yet the vast majority never receive treatment. The statistics below draw from SAMHSA, the NIH, and NC state health data to illustrate the scope of the crisis at both the national and state level. With a 77.26% treatment gap in North Carolina and over $15 billion in annual economic costs, the data make clear that access to care remains one of the most pressing barriers to addressing this public health crisis.

Statistic	Data
Americans ages 12 and older with Alcohol Use Disorder (2023)	27.9 million (9.7% of the U.S. population 12+)
Of those 27.9 million, received AUD treatment (2023)	Approximately 2.0 million (7.5%)
People with AUD going untreated annually in the U.S.	Approximately 25.9 million (92.5%)
Probability of AUD recovery with treatment vs. without	Twice as likely to recover with professional treatment (NIH)
Overall AUD recovery rate	3 out of 4 people with AUD eventually recover
Adults in NC with Alcohol Use Disorder	9.61% (approximately 1 in 10 NC adults)
Adults in NC who drink alcohol past month	45.27% (approximately 4.1 million adults)
Adults in NC who binge drink past month	20.80%
NC alcohol-related deaths (2023)	Over 5,800 (2,029 immediate; 3,799 long-term)
NC alcohol-related emergency department visits (2023)	66,000 and above
NC economic cost of alcohol use (2023)	Approximately $15 billion
High school students in NC who drink alcohol	Approximately 108,000 (about 1 in 5)
NC residents who need alcohol treatment but do not receive it	77.26% treatment gap

Sources: SAMHSA 2024 National NSDUH Report: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt56287/2024-nsduh-annual-national-report.pdf | SAMHSA 2022 to 2023 NSDUH NC State Tables: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt56188/2023-nsduh-sae-state-tabs-north-carolina.pdf | NIAAA Alcohol Facts and Statistics (2024): https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics-z/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-treatment-united-states | NC DHHS Alcohol and Related Harms Data (2023): https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/chronic-disease-and-injury/injury-and-violence-prevention-branch/north-carolina-alcohol-use-and-related-harms-prevention/data

How to Prevent Relapse After Alcohol Recovery

Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does, maintaining sobriety requires ongoing support and structure.

Our relapse prevention planning helps clients in Charlotte and across North Carolina stay grounded through:

Continued therapy and support groups
Identifying and managing personal triggers
Developing healthy coping strategies
Building new daily routines and social connections to avoid alcohol temptations
Access to community-based resources and alumni networks

Relapse is not failure, it’s a signal that additional support may be needed. With the right guidance, long-term recovery from alcohol addiction is absolutely achievable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Rehab

How do I know if I need alcohol rehab?

If alcohol is interfering with your relationships, job, health, or sense of control—and especially if you’ve tried to stop and can’t—it’s time to seek help.

Is detox part of the program?

Yes. We offer medically supervised detox to ensure a safe and supported withdrawal process before therapy begins.

What is holistic alcohol rehab?

Holistic rehab goes beyond basic treatment. It incorporates physical, emotional, and spiritual care, including therapy, nutrition, mindfulness, movement, and creative outlets.

Is your program licensed and accredited?

Yes. We are fully licensed by the state of North Carolina and follow rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness.

Can I work while in treatment?

In many cases, yes. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) allows clients to continue work or school while attending therapy several times a week.

What happens after I leave treatment?

We’ll help you build an aftercare plan that may include therapy, 12-step or peer support groups, sober housing, and alumni resources.

Is Southeastern Recovery Alcohol Rehab LGBTQ+ inclusive?

Yes. We offer a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for individuals of all identities and backgrounds.

What if I’ve already been to rehab and relapsed?

Relapse doesn’t mean failure—it means more support is needed. We welcome clients who’ve tried before and are ready to try again with deeper tools and new strategies.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. We accept most major insurance providers and offer free insurance verification when you contact our admissions team.

Is alcohol withdrawal dangerous, and do I need medical detox before starting rehab?

Yes, alcohol withdrawal can be medically serious and in some cases life-threatening. Unlike withdrawal from many other substances, alcohol withdrawal carries the risk of severe complications including seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), and dangerous spikes in blood pressure. This is why attempting to quit alcohol cold turkey on your own is strongly discouraged without medical supervision.

Medical detox is the appropriate first step for anyone with a physical dependence on alcohol. It ensures withdrawal is managed safely by clinical professionals, significantly reduces discomfort, and prepares you for the structured treatment work ahead. At Southeastern Recovery Center, we coordinate directly with trusted detox partners to make sure every client is medically stable before beginning our PHP or IOP programs. You will never be expected to show up to treatment still in active withdrawal.

What medications are used to treat alcohol addiction?

There are three FDA-approved medications specifically designed to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), and each works differently depending on the individual’s needs and medical history:

Naltrexone: Reduces cravings and blunts the rewarding effects of alcohol, making it less appealing to drink
Acamprosate: Helps restore the brain’s chemical balance disrupted by long-term alcohol use, reducing anxiety and discomfort during early sobriety
Disulfiram: Creates an unpleasant physical reaction when alcohol is consumed, serving as a strong deterrent to drinking

These medications are not a standalone solution. They are most effective when combined with evidence-based therapy, which is exactly how we use them at Southeastern Recovery Center. Our clinical team will assess whether MAT is appropriate for you during intake. Medication-assisted treatment for alcohol is optional, and all decisions are made collaboratively between you and your care team.

How is alcohol rehab different from just going to AA?

Both alcohol rehab and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be powerful paths to recovery, and for many people they work best together rather than as competing options. AA is a free, peer-led community built around the 12-step program, and its Big Book is clear that the 12 steps are designed to address the spiritual and behavioral dimensions of alcoholism. For many people, AA is exactly what gets and keeps them sober.

Where clinical rehab fills a different and important role is in addressing what may surface once the drinking stops. The Big Book itself acknowledges that there are outside issues, physical ailments, mental health conditions, and other challenges, that fall outside the scope of what AA is designed to solve. For those things, it points members toward specialists in the appropriate fields. That is precisely where structured rehab comes in.

At Southeastern Recovery Center, we work alongside whatever recovery path you are already on or considering. If trauma, depression, anxiety, or other co-occurring conditions are part of your story, our clinical team is here to address those specifically so they do not become the reason sobriety does not stick. There is no single road to recovery. Our job is to make sure you have the right support for every part of the journey, not just one piece of it.

Can alcohol rehab treat depression, anxiety, or trauma at the same time?

Yes, and treating them together is not just possible, it is essential. Research consistently shows that a large percentage of people struggling with alcohol use disorder also live with a co-occurring mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or trauma. In many cases, alcohol use begins as a way of self-medicating symptoms that were never properly treated.

Our program at Southeastern Recovery Center is dual diagnosis enhanced, meaning we are specifically equipped to treat both the alcohol addiction and the underlying mental health condition at the same time through integrated care. This includes trauma-focused group and individual therapy, CBT, psychotherapy, and MAT where appropriate. Treating only the alcohol use without addressing the co-occurring condition significantly increases the risk of relapse. We treat the full picture, not just the drinking.

How long does alcohol rehab take?

The length of alcohol rehab depends on the severity of the addiction, any co-occurring conditions, and the level of care you enter. There is no universal timeline, and any program that gives you the same answer for every client is not providing truly individualized care. That said, here is a general framework:

Medical detox: Typically 5 to 10 days depending on the severity of physical dependence
PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program): Typically 30 to 45 days of structured, near full-day programming
IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program): Typically 6 to 12 weeks, 3 to 5 days per week
Standard outpatient and aftercare: Ongoing, often 6 to 12 months or longer

At Southeastern Recovery Center, your treatment length is determined by your clinical progress, not by a predetermined calendar. Our goal is long-term sobriety, not a short-term fix. We structure care around what you actually need, and our aftercare and alumni program ensures you have support well beyond your final session.

What if I have already been to rehab for alcohol and relapsed?

Relapse does not mean failure, and it does not disqualify you from treatment. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recognizes addiction as a chronic condition with relapse rates comparable to other chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. Relapse is a clinical event, not a moral failure, and returning to treatment after a relapse is one of the most courageous things a person can do.

At Southeastern Recovery Center, we treat clients who have been through treatment before with the same level of compassion and clinical rigor as those coming for the first time. In fact, previous treatment experiences help us build a more targeted and informed plan for you. We will examine what worked, what did not, and what needs to be different this time, whether that means a deeper focus on trauma, a different level of care, or adding MAT to the equation. Your history does not limit your future here.

Does alcohol rehab include family support?

Yes, and family involvement can be one of the most significant factors in long-term recovery. Alcohol use disorder does not only affect the person drinking. It reshapes family dynamics, erodes trust, and often leaves loved ones carrying their own trauma, confusion, and emotional exhaustion. Healing those relationships is an important part of lasting sobriety.

At Southeastern Recovery Center, family support is built into our treatment approach. We offer family therapy and education as part of the recovery process, helping loved ones understand the disease of addiction, recognize enabling patterns, rebuild communication, and learn how to support recovery in a healthy and sustainable way. You do not have to navigate this as a family alone, and neither does your loved one.

How do I know which level of alcohol rehab care is right for me?

The right level of care is determined by a clinical assessment, not a self-diagnosis. Factors that influence the recommendation include the severity of your alcohol use, whether you are physically dependent, the presence of any co-occurring mental health conditions, your living situation, your work or family obligations, and any previous treatment history.

At Southeastern Recovery Center, every client begins with a thorough intake assessment conducted by a licensed clinician. Based on that evaluation, we will recommend the most appropriate starting point, whether that is a referral to medical detox, entry into our PHP program, or enrollment in IOP. We partner with trusted detox and inpatient facilities in the area so that clients who need a higher level of care first are never left without a clear path forward. From there, we walk alongside you through every step of the continuum.

Will my employer or family find out I'm in rehab?

Treatment records are protected by federal law (42 CFR Part 2, which applies specifically to substance use disorder treatment, plus HIPAA). We do not contact employers, family members, or anyone else without your written consent. If you choose to involve family in your treatment, that’s your decision.

Do you serve all of North Carolina or just Charlotte?

Both. Our clinical building is in Charlotte and serves the Charlotte metro area directly, including Matthews, Concord, Huntersville, Gastonia, and surrounding Mecklenburg County. We also accept clients from across North Carolina, and we coordinate transportation when needed.

Who leads the alcohol program at Southeastern Recovery Center?

Our alcohol program is led by Rhett Owensby, LCAS (Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist), our clinical lead. Our medical director is Dr. David Stern, who is board certified in addiction medicine. Together they oversee clinical care for every client in the alcohol program.

How do I get started?

Call our 24/7 admissions line, complete the online insurance verification form, or email us. The first conversation is confidential and there’s no obligation. From there, we’ll talk through what level of care fits, verify your insurance, and map out next steps.

What's the difference between residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient?

Residential is a live-in program with around-the-clock structure, typically 30 to 90 days. PHP (Partial Hospitalization) is day treatment, 5 to 7 hours a day, 5 days a week, where you sleep at home. IOP (Intensive Outpatient) is structured group and individual therapy three evenings a week, designed to fit around work or family. Outpatient is weekly individual therapy plus group sessions for people who need lower-intensity ongoing care. Clients often step down through these levels as recovery stabilizes.

We're Here For You!

If you or a loved are struggling with alcohol addiction, please reach out to our team today. Many treatment centers take a one-size-fits-all approach when treating addiction which isn't effective...At SERC, we understand that each client has their own story which led them to seeking help. We put emphasis on individualized care, tailoring treatment based on the specific needs of each client.

Step One

Reach Out For Help! ⮕

Request A Confidential Call

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Step Two

Create A Recovery Plan! ⮕

Create A Plan

Our team will work with you or a loved one to create a treatment plan

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Step Three

Begin The Healing Process! ⮕

Begin Your Recovery

Your Journey Begins The Moment You Reach Our Facility

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What To Expect eBook

Download Our Free eBook!

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about what to expect when getting help for drug or alcohol addiction, please fill out our brief form and download the eBook. You can also give our admissions team a call & we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Help is only a call away!

How to Choose the Right Alcohol Rehab Center in North Carolina

Finding the right treatment center for alcohol addiction in Charlotte, NC, or elsewhere in North Carolina, can feel overwhelming. Here are key factors to look for:

Accreditation from CARF or The Joint Commission
Medical detox availability
Licensed therapists and addiction specialists
Experience with alcohol addiction
Individualized treatment plans
Aftercare and long-term support

At Southeastern Recovery Center, we meet all of these criteria and more. Our focus on integrity, compassion, and clinical excellence has made us one of North Carolina’s most trusted recovery providers.

Alcohol and Mental Health Creates a Co-Occurring Link

The connection between alcohol abuse and mental health disorders is well established. Many people drink to manage anxiety, depression, or trauma—sometimes without even realizing it. Unfortunately, alcohol only worsens these conditions over time.

Our rehab program is specifically designed to address co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis. We screen every client for underlying mental health issues and ensure that both addiction and mental health are treated together, not in isolation.

This approach allows us to help clients build better emotional regulation skills, identify their true triggers, and develop personalized strategies that reduce the risk of relapse.

Begin Your Recovery with Southeastern Recovery Center

You don’t have to keep living under the weight of alcohol addiction. At Southeastern Recovery Center, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone—and that includes you. Whether this is your first time seeking help or you’ve tried before, we offer a fresh start with compassionate, evidence-based care.

Our alcohol rehab in North Carolina is rooted in the belief that healing requires more than willpower—it requires a community, a plan, and a personalized path forward. Let us help you take the first step today.

Sources

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics

https://schs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/units/ldas/docs/12-ExcessiveDrinkingIndicator2023NCSHIP.pdf