The North Carolina Short & Longer-Term Treatment Program provides flexible, individualized care for people with substance use disorders who need either brief stabilization or extended therapeutic support. These programs range in length and intensity, helping individuals move through recovery with the appropriate level of care based on clinical need and legal or court-related mandates.
These services are recognized by the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services (DMH/DD/SAS) and may be used to fulfill court orders, DMV requirements, probation terms, or serve as a step-down from more intensive care.
Core features include:
- Comprehensive clinical assessments to determine care level and treatment duration
- Structured daily counseling sessions, both individual and group
- Substance use education, relapse prevention, and coping skill development
- Co-occurring disorder support, if applicable
- Medication management (including MAT when appropriate)
- Discharge and aftercare planning
Short-Term Treatment Typically lasts from 7 to 30 days and is ideal for:
- Individuals in need of stabilization following a relapse
- Court-ordered detox or treatment before reentry or sentencing
- Clients needing immediate care before transitioning to outpatient or longer-term programs
Longer-Term Treatment Often extends from 30 to 90+ days, suitable for:
- Individuals with chronic or severe substance use histories
- Repeat DWI offenders or those with high-risk assessment results
- Clients without a stable support system needing residential recovery environments
Both short- and longer-term treatment programs emphasize continuity of care, helping participants transition smoothly into SACOT, SAIOP, outpatient therapy, or community-based support groups.
Upon completion, individuals may receive a certificate of treatment completion that meets DMV restoration, probation compliance, or court documentation needs.
Certified treatment providers across North Carolina offering short and longer-term programs can be found through Online Class Advisor’s statewide treatment directory, with options for both residential and non-residential care settings.