Understanding addiction is an important part of recovery. At Tree House Recovery, we specialize in helping those who have an addiction to alcohol and drugs. Our programs are designed to help our clients heal on all three levels.
Addiction starts with the voluntary act of taking drugs. After continued use, addiction occurs when a person becomes physically and mentally dependent on the substance. Then, drug-seeking and abuse become a compulsion. This is due to the physical and chemical changes in parts of the brain involved in motivation and reward, learning and memory, and impulse control.
TL;DR: Addiction is a treatable condition—not a personal failure. At Tree House Recovery NC, we help men and women break free from substance abuse by addressing its root causes through holistic, evidence-based care that empowers lasting change.
What Is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), is a behavioral disorder that involves uncontrollable drug seeking and use. Additionally, addiction affects three main areas of health: biological, psychological, and social.
Changes in the brain can lead to harmful outcomes for people who abuse drugs and can impact all three aspects of overall health.
Presently, SUD is known as a chronic relapsing disorder, which means that those who have a substance use disorder will relapse fully if they begin using again — even after a period of abstinence.
Can Addiction Be Treated?
Addiction is a treatable disorder. However, people with a substance use disorder may be aware of their problem but cannot stop on their own. This is because of drugs’ effects on the brain, known as neuroadaptation.
To put it simply, drug abuse rewires the brain’s reward system to equate drug use with survival. Fortunately, a quality addiction program and the support of family and friends can be effective in helping someone recover from addiction.
Substance Use and Addiction Statistics in North Carolina
As SUD rates climb across North Carolina, the impact on local communities has become impossible to ignore. While addiction rates can be difficult to track due to underreporting and diagnostic barriers, the following statistics offer a clear picture of the crisis:
of people aged 12 and older were diagnosed with SUD in 2023.2
of Wilmington, NC misuse opioids, the highest rate in the nation.3
of people with SUD did not receive the treatment they needed.2
North Carolinians die each day on average from drug overdose.1
cities in North Carolina rank in the top 25 for the highest opioid rates in the U.S.3
Addictions We Treat in Wilmington, NC
We support recovery for a wide range of substance use issues—from alcohol dependence to complex polysubstance patterns.
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Call out a team to verify your benefits.
Rehab Reviews: Hear From Our Wilmington Clients
People in the Wilmington area have faced addiction—and come out stronger. Their journeys show that hope and healing are always possible.
Supporting a Loved One Through Addiction
Family involvement is a powerful part of recovery. Whether you’re a parent, sibling, or partner, your support can make a difference—if you have the right tools. Our Family Therapy program offers essential tools and resources to help families recover from the effects of addiction and how to help their loved ones no matter where they are in their recovery journey.
Some suggestions to get started:
The DO’S
- Learn about their patterns of alcohol and drug use: Understanding addiction is key when you’re learning how to support your loved one.
- Be there for them: You can communicate what you see and offer help and support.
- Come from a place of compassion: You may find them rationalizing, minimizing, or becoming defensive and angry. Prepare yourself to respond with specific examples of behavior without judging them. Above all, compassion is key.
- Expect that they will need your help to stop: Friends and family often play a vital role in helping someone enter treatment.
- Practice self-care: Undeniably, addiction affects loved ones too. Support their recovery process by taking care of yourself.
The DONT’S
- Don’t lecture the person experiencing SUD: Shaming results in increased feelings of guilt and increases the compulsion to use.
- Don’t be a martyr: Guilt-based appeal increases feelings of shame and only increases the compulsion to use.
- Don’t cover up or take on their responsibilities: Their actions are theirs. When you cover up their mistakes, it helps them use substances without consequences and enables their addiction.
- Don’t argue: Arguing doesn’t generate productive conversations, and can lead to someone avoiding treatment.
What to Expect at Rehab in Wilmington, NC
We tailor each treatment plan to fit the person—not the other way around. Programs may include detox, therapy, peer groups, medication, and aftercare planning.
Choosing Change
Effective addiction treatment is available. First, accepting there is an addiction issue is necessary. You can’t fix what doesn’t exist. Also, there must be a desire to change the behavior. Interventions can lead to successful entry into treatment.
However, self-motivated action is always ideal when entering a recovery program.
Stabilization
Second, stabilizing in a medical detox/residential program is often beneficial. A medical professional will conduct a formal assessment of symptoms to identify the extent of the substance use disorder. A medical professional monitoring your symptoms ensures a safe detox and treatment plan.
The detox/residential level of care aids in getting a person stable for receiving comprehensive therapy needed in the next phase of treatment. Medications can prevent seizures, control drug cravings, and lessen symptoms of withdrawal. Reducing these symptoms helps to prevent relapses during this time.
Evidence-Based and Holistic Therapies
Therapy is part of everyone’s treatment plan. Because SUDs typically affect many aspects of a person’s health, a multi-pronged approach of coordinated therapies creates the most effective result. To that end, combining individual, group, and fitness/lifestyle therapy is most effective.
To put it another way, repairing the biological, mental, and social damage caused by addiction is essential. The best treatment approaches address an individual’s unique situation and co-occurring problems to optimize health for lasting recovery.
For example, one-on-one therapy can help individuals with SUD better understand their motivations and behaviors as they develop a healthy sense of self. In addition, fitness therapy helps normalize biology, relieve stress, and create a healthy lifestyle. Group therapy aids in building strong peer support networks and communication skills.
Aftercare
Everyone’s recovery journey is unique. Recovery typically requires aftercare strategies beyond detox and intensive treatment. These may include:
- Family therapy program
- Outpatient holistic care
- Structured, drug-free environments (sober houses)
- Support groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, SMART Recovery)
- Support groups for family members (Al-Anon or Nar-Anon Family Groups)
FAQs About Drug and Alcohol Addiction in Wilmington, NC
What types of drug and alcohol rehab programs are available in Wilmington, NC?
Our Wilmington treatment center offers a Day and Evening Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). These flexible rehab programs are ideal for those who are maintaining their daily schedule alongside addiction treatment.
How long does addiction treatment usually last in Wilmington?
IOP programs typically last for 90 days. Our IOPs are three-hour sessions that take place three times a week over three months.
Does insurance cover rehab in Wilmington, NC?
We work with your insurance policies to help cover the cost of rehab in Wilmington, NC. Our admissions team can verify your benefits over the phone to help you get started on your recovery journey.
What substances do Wilmington rehabs treat?
Our rehab treats all substances, including alcohol, fentanyl, and cannabis addictions.
What if I’ve relapsed before?
Relapse can happen in recovery. Looking for an IOP program like ours can help you strengthen your relapse prevention skills, build a stronger support network, and help identify what may need to be adjusted in your recovery plan.
Next Step: Begin Your Recovery Journey in Wilmington Today
Recovery is personal—but you don’t have to go it alone. We’re here with answers, support, and personalized care options built for you.
Sources
- Samhsa.gov. SAMHSA Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. Published 2025. Accessed July 1, 2025. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt56188/2023-nsduh-sae-state-tables_0/2023-nsduh-sae-state-tables.htm
- Castlight Health. The opioid crisis in America’s workforce. Published 2016. Accessed July 1, 2025. https://content.castlighthealth.com/rs/598-XVD-020/images/Castlight-Report-Opioid-Crisis-In-Workforce-web-YC.PDF
- North Carolina Overdose Epidemic Data | Division of Public Health. Ncdhhs.gov. Published 2022. Accessed July 1, 2025. https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/chronic-disease-and-injury/injury-and-violence-prevention-branch/north-carolina-overdose-epidemic-data