Expert Insights
I recently read that researchers from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine are now collaborating with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office in order to evaluate the effectiveness of two opioid addiction treatment programs for inmates of the local criminal justice system.
In late 2019, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office kicked off two projects knowing that people who were recently incarcerated are at high risk of overdose and have little-to-no access to addiction treatment upon release. Working with UNC School of Medicine and Department of Public Safety, the group was able to expand access to treatment and connect recently released inmates with local treatment providers.
I will be excited to see the results of these programs. (I anticipate good results!)
How We Rank Listings
Every facility in this directory has been reviewed through Addictions.com’s verification process, which evaluates programs against a consistent set of criteria: state licensure, accreditation status, the levels of care available, accepted payment types, and specialty programming. Facilities accredited by the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) are noted in their profiles. CARF accreditation means an independent body has verified that the program meets established quality standards for person-centered care. Programs that accept multiple payment sources, including Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance, are highlighted to help you find options that match your financial situation. No facility pays for inclusion or placement in these results.
Rehab in Durham: What to Know
Durham is the county seat of Durham County and part of the Research Triangle metropolitan area alongside Raleigh and Chapel Hill. With Duke University Health System based here, the region has access to academic-level behavioral health care alongside a network of community providers. Our directory lists 40 licensed facilities in and near Durham offering substance use disorder treatment across multiple levels of care. For a broader look at options across the state, the North Carolina rehab directory includes programs organized by county and city.
Durham County has been among the harder-hit areas in North Carolina when it comes to the opioid crisis. According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services, the county’s opioid overdose death rate more than doubled between the 2016-2020 period and 2021, and the county has carried one of the highest rates of illicit drug overdose deaths in the state. Addressing that reality, the Durham County Department of Public Health launched the Community Linkages to Care (CLC) Peer Support Program, which connects residents to addiction treatment options, harm reduction services, housing, and employment support at no cost. Durham County is also set to receive approximately $11.6 million in opioid settlement funds over 18 years to expand local prevention and treatment programs.
Duke University Health System offers cognitive behavioral therapy and individualized treatment plans for adults with co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions. Carolina Outreach provides behavioral health urgent care at its Durham location, giving people access to same-day crisis support. For those seeking care for opioid use disorder, multiple licensed opioid treatment programs in Durham offer medication-assisted treatment, including methadone and buprenorphine-based programs operated through BAART Programs, Morse Clinics, and New Season Treatment Center, among others.
Of the 40 facilities in this directory, 26 provide dual diagnosis programming for people managing both substance use and a co-occurring mental health condition, and 22 offer residential inpatient care. Whether you are looking for medical detox as a first step or a long-term residential program, Durham’s treatment network spans the full continuum.
Cost of Rehab in Durham
Treatment costs in Durham follow North Carolina state averages, with the final price varying based on level of care, program length, facility type, and insurance coverage. North Carolina’s average costs fall slightly below the national midpoint for residential programs, which can make the state a relatively accessible option for those paying privately. The figures below reflect statewide averages; what you pay at a specific Durham facility will depend on the program you choose and your coverage situation.
Several variables determine what you will actually pay for treatment at a specific Durham facility. The biggest factor is level of care: residential inpatient programs that provide 24-hour supervision, housing, and meals cost significantly more than standard outpatient sessions. Facilities that receive state or federal grant funding can often offer sliding-scale fees, and most people with private insurance pay a fraction of the listed price after benefits are applied.
How to Pay for Rehab in Durham
Of the 40 facilities in Durham’s directory, 36 accept self-payment or cash and 28 accept private health insurance, giving most people at least one accessible path to care. Publicly funded options are also available: 20 facilities accept NC Medicaid and 12 accept Medicare. For help understanding what your policy covers before committing to a program, federal law under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires insurers to cover substance use disorder treatment at parity with other medical conditions. Guidance on verifying your rehab benefits is available through your insurer’s behavioral health line.
Medicare
Twelve facilities in Durham accept Medicare for substance use disorder treatment. Medicare Part A covers inpatient detox and residential care when medically necessary. Part B covers outpatient programs, individual and group counseling, and certain medications used in treatment. Coverage is available through both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, though Advantage plans may have different in-network requirements. Always confirm whether a specific Durham facility accepts your Medicare plan before enrolling.
NC Medicaid
North Carolina’s Medicaid program, administered by NCDHHS, covers a broad range of substance use disorder services, including medical detox, residential care, standard outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient programs (SAIOP), and medication-assisted treatment. A 2023 change to state law expanded access by adding intensive outpatient and social setting detox to the coverage available to members enrolled in NC Medicaid Standard Plans. Twenty facilities in Durham accept NC Medicaid. Eligibility is based on income and household size; the NCDHHS Medicaid enrollment line can help you determine whether you qualify.
Military Benefits and TRICARE
Nine Durham facilities accept TRICARE, the health coverage program for active-duty military personnel, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, and their dependents. TRICARE generally covers medically necessary substance use disorder treatment across detox, inpatient, and outpatient levels of care. Veterans who are not covered by TRICARE may qualify for treatment through the VA health system, which has a major medical center and an outpatient clinic in Durham. For more on eligibility and VA-covered services, see rehab resources for veterans and military members.
Insurance and Private Pay
Twenty-eight facilities in Durham accept private health insurance. Major carriers with active provider networks in North Carolina include Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Ambetter, and Molina Healthcare. Policies purchased through the Affordable Care Act marketplace must include substance use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit. Call your insurer’s behavioral health line before enrolling to confirm which Durham facilities are in-network and what your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum apply to addiction treatment.
- Aetna
- Ambetter
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC
- Cigna
- Humana
- Molina Healthcare
- UnitedHealthcare
Sliding Scale and Financial Assistance
Seven facilities in Durham offer sliding-scale fees tied to income, and 16 provide some form of financial assistance. These programs are often designed for people who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot cover full private-pay rates on their own. Sliding-scale arrangements typically require proof of income during intake, so having recent pay stubs or tax documents available can speed up the process.
Free Treatment Programs
Two facilities in Durham offer free treatment services. The most prominent is TROSA (Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers), a no-cost, multi-year residential program that provides housing, meals, clothing, vocational training, and peer-driven recovery support to adults. If cost is the primary barrier to getting care, rehab scholarships and grants are also available through national and state-level programs that fund treatment for people who cannot afford to pay.
Financing
Eight facilities in Durham offer payment financing, allowing clients to spread treatment costs over time rather than paying in full at intake. Financing is most often used to cover the balance remaining after insurance or other partial payment sources are applied. Compare terms and any associated interest rates across facilities before committing, as arrangements vary considerably.
Levels of Care Available in Durham
Durham’s 40 listed facilities include 16 medical detox programs, 22 residential inpatient programs, 37 standard outpatient programs, and 2 partial hospitalization programs. The appropriate starting point depends on the substance involved, how long someone has been using, the severity of any withdrawal risk, and whether a co-occurring mental health condition needs to be addressed alongside substance use treatment.
Medical detox is the first step for people with physical dependence on alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other substances where withdrawal carries medical risk. Sixteen facilities in Durham offer supervised detox, where medical staff monitor vital signs and manage withdrawal symptoms around the clock. Medical detox addresses physical stabilization but is generally followed by a residential or outpatient program to address the psychological dimensions of addiction.
Residential inpatient programs mean living at the treatment facility full time, typically for 28, 60, or 90 days, with structured therapy, group sessions, and clinical support built into the daily schedule. Twenty-two programs in Durham offer this level of care. Residential treatment is generally recommended for people with more severe or long-standing substance use, limited support at home, or those who have not achieved lasting results with outpatient approaches.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) provide intensive daily treatment, usually five to six hours per day on weekdays, while allowing participants to return home in the evenings. Two Durham programs offer this level of care. Partial hospitalization can function as a step-down after inpatient discharge or as an entry point for people who need structured daytime support but have a stable home environment.
Standard outpatient care is the most widely available option in Durham, with 37 facilities offering programs that range from weekly individual counseling to several sessions per week. Outpatient rehab works best for people with mild to moderate substance use disorders who have stable housing and reliable social support. It can also serve as the next step after completing a residential program.
Dual diagnosis programs treat substance use disorder alongside co-occurring mental health conditions such as co-occurring depression, anxiety, trauma, and other diagnoses. Twenty-six facilities in Durham provide this level of integrated care. Treating both conditions at the same time generally produces better outcomes than addressing them separately or in sequence.
Sober living homes provide structured, substance-free housing for people transitioning out of residential treatment. Four sober living options are listed in Durham. These homes offer peer accountability, house rules around sobriety, and sometimes connection to ongoing outpatient programming while residents rebuild employment and daily routines. They are part of the broader rehab aftercare continuum that supports long-term recovery.
Specialty Programs in Durham
Many people seeking treatment have needs that go beyond a general program. Durham’s facilities include specialty tracks designed for specific populations, substances, and life circumstances. The counts below reflect how many of the 40 listed facilities offer each program type.
Free and Low-Cost Rehab Resources in Durham
Several public, nonprofit, and government-funded programs in Durham offer addiction support at low or no cost. If you are in immediate crisis, call or text 988 at any time. Additional crisis and mental health support resources are available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For community social services including substance use treatment, housing, and food assistance, 211 North Carolina connects callers to local programs with a single call or text to 211.
Crisis Lines
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 at any time. Available 24/7 for mental health and substance use crises. Chat available at 988lifeline.org.
- SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-4357. Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service available in English and Spanish. samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- 211 North Carolina — Call or text 211. Connects callers to local social services including substance use treatment, food assistance, and emergency support. nc211.org
County and Public Health Services
- Durham County Community Linkages to Care (CLC) Peer Support Program — 919-695-3246 or 919-560-7305. Weekdays 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturdays. Peer specialists with lived recovery experience connect Durham residents to treatment, harm reduction services, housing, food, and employment resources at no cost. Free naloxone kits are available. dconc.gov/CLC
- Durham County Department of Public Health Pharmacy — 414 E Main St, Durham, NC 27701. Provides free sterile syringes, free naloxone kits, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, and referrals to substance use and mental health services. dcopublichealth.org
- Durham County Second Chance Program — County-administered outpatient substance use treatment for adults 18 and older, accessible through court referrals, TASC, or other service providers. Offers individual and group counseling using the Matrix evidence-based curriculum across multiple levels of outpatient care. dconc.gov
Nonprofits and Community Programs
- TROSA (Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers) — 1820 James Street, Durham, NC 27703. A no-cost, multi-year residential program providing housing, meals, clothing, vocational training, peer support, and continuing care for adults with substance use disorders. No insurance or payment required. Participation requires a minimum two-year commitment. trosa.org
Harm Reduction
- Durham Mobile Exchange — 919-370-0671 (call or text to arrange pickup or delivery). Provides free sterile syringes and harm reduction supplies. Available Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
VA and Military Services
- Durham VA Medical Center — Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27705. A regional VA medical center serving veterans across central North Carolina with outpatient substance use treatment, psychiatric care, medication-assisted treatment, and same-day mental health assessment. Serves veterans including those with PTSD, military sexual trauma, and traumatic brain injury. va.gov/durham-health-care/
- Hillandale Road VA Clinic — Durham, NC. Outpatient clinic offering mental health and substance use treatment for veterans, with same-day walk-in mental health services and telehealth options. va.gov/durham-health-care/locations/
Drug and Alcohol Use Statistics in Durham
Durham County has recorded some of the higher rates of drug overdose deaths in North Carolina, driven largely by the spread of illicitly manufactured fentanyl. The county’s overdose death rate rose sharply in 2021 following a statewide surge that continued through 2022 and 2023. Recent state data offer a more hopeful picture: North Carolina recorded its first substantial year-over-year decline in overdose deaths since 2019, attributed in part to expanded naloxone distribution and broader public awareness.
Resources
- Healthy Durham / Durham County Department of Public Health. (2023). Opioid Epidemic: Durham County, NC. August 2023. healthydurham.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Opioid-epidemic-FINAL.pdf
- NC Division of Public Health. (2025). North Carolina Overdose Epidemic Data. dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs-services/chronic-disease-and-injury/injury-and-violence-prevention-branch/north-carolina-overdose-epidemic-data
- ABC11 / WTVD Raleigh-Durham. (2025). New data shows sharp drop in fentanyl overdose deaths across North Carolina. abc11.com/post/new-data-shows-sharp-drop-fentanyl-overdose-deaths-north-carolina/18997255/
- Christian Science Monitor. (2024). Can $18 billion in opioid settlement funds turn an overdose tide? Ask North Carolina. csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2024/0812/opioid-crisis-settlement-overdose-prevention
- Addiction Resource. (2025). Average Cost of Addiction Treatment in North Carolina. addictionresource.net/cost-of-rehab/north-carolina/
- Addicted.org. (2025). Cost of Drug and Alcohol Rehab in North Carolina. addicted.org/paying-for-treatment/cost/north-carolina/
- Durham County Department of Public Health. (2024). Community Linkages to Care (CLC) Peer Support Program. dconc.gov/CLC
- NC DHHS. (2024). Substance Use Disorders. ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mental-health-developmental-disabilities-and-substance-use-services/substance-use-disorders
- Disability Rights NC. (2026). Durham Opioid Use Disorder and Substance Use Disorder Resources. disabilityrightsnc.org/nc-resources/durham-opioid-use-disorder-and-substance-use-disorder-resources/
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2025). Durham VA Health Care System. va.gov/durham-health-care/
- TROSA. (2025). Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers. trosa.org
