Preferred Acute Hospital for Addiction

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of addiction is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment. At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital, we help patients and families understand these warning indicators, which may include: 

Behavioral & Social Symptoms 

• Continued use of a substance despite knowing that it causes problems in relationships, work, or health 

• Spending significant time obtaining, using, and recovering from the use of substances 

• Neglecting social, occupational, or recreational activities due to substance use 

• Recurring substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous 

• Social isolation or withdrawal from family and friends 

• Lying about or hiding the extent of substance use 

• Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence 

• Financial problems related to purchasing substances 

Physical & Psychological Symptoms 

• Tolerance: Needing increased amounts of a substance to achieve the desired effects 

• Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce or stop use 

• Using larger amounts or for longer periods than intended 

• Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use 

• Intense cravings or urges to use the substance 

• Physical health problems related to substance use 

• Mood changes, irritability, or anxiety when unable to use 

• Sleep disturbances or changes in appetite 

• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems 

In North Carolina, addiction impacts communities across the state. Early intervention and comprehensive treatment significantly improve outcomes for patients who have these conditions. Our facility in Greenville serves not only the immediate community but also the surrounding areas throughout eastern North Carolina. 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), substance use disorders affect millions of Americans each year. 

• Only about 1 in 10 people who have an addiction receive treatment. 

• Co-occurring mental health conditions are present in many cases. 

• Addiction can develop at any age, though it often begins during adolescence or young adulthood. 

While anyone can develop symptoms of an addiction, certain factors may increase vulnerability. Understanding these risk factors helps with prevention and early intervention efforts: 

Biological Risk Factors 

• Genetic predisposition to addiction 

• Family history of addiction or other behavioral health conditions 

• Early exposure to substances when the brain is still developing 

• Co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma-related conditions 

Environmental & Social Risk Factors 

• Exposure to high levels of stress or trauma 

• Peer groups that engage in substance use 

• Easy access to substances 

• Lack of family supervision or involvement 

• Environments where substance use is normalized 

• Economic instability or poverty 

Psychological Risk Factors 

• History of trauma or adverse childhood experiences 

• Poor coping skills for managing stress or emotions 

• Low self-esteem or feelings of social isolation 

• Impulsive personality traits 

• Difficulty with emotion regulation 

When a person who has an addiction does not receive appropriate treatment, the consequences can be far-reaching and potentially life-threatening. These effects often impact every area of a person’s life: 

Health Consequences 

• Increased risk for overdose, which can be fatal 

• Cardiovascular problems, including heart disease and stroke 

• Liver damage, particularly with alcohol use disorder 

• Respiratory problems related to smoking or inhaling substances 

• Increased vulnerability to infectious diseases 

• Compromised immune system function 

• Nutritional deficiencies and weight changes 

• Worsening symptoms of co-occurring mental health conditions 

Social & Occupational Effects 

• Deterioration of relationships with family members and friends 

• Loss of employment or academic failure 

• Financial instability and mounting debt 

• Legal problems, including arrests and court involvement 

• Loss of housing or homelessness 

• Social isolation and withdrawal from the community 

• Inability to fulfill parenting or caregiving responsibilities 

SUDs are progressive conditions. When they are left untreated, symptoms typically worsen over time, making recovery more challenging. Early intervention at a treatment center like ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital can prevent many serious consequences. 

If someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of an addiction, your support can make a significant difference in their recovery process. Here are ways to help: 

Immediate Steps To Take 

• Educate yourself about addiction and treatment options available in North Carolina 

• Approach conversations with compassion and without judgment 

• Express your concerns clearly while avoiding blame or criticism 

• Encourage professional evaluation and treatment 

• Research facilities and insurance coverage options 

• Be prepared to provide practical support during the treatment process 

Supporting Long-Term Recovery 

• Participate in family therapy or support groups when recommended 

• Learn about triggers and help create a supportive environment 

• Celebrate milestones and progress in recovery 

• Be patient — recovery is a long-term process with potential setbacks 

• Take care of your well-being 

• Connect with other family members and friends who are in similar situations 

What Not To Do 

• Don’t enable substance use by providing money or covering up consequences 

• Avoid making threats you’re not prepared to follow through on 

• Don’t take their behavior personally — addiction symptoms affect judgment and decision-making 

• Avoid trying to control their recovery process 

• Don’t give up hope, even if there have been multiple attempts at treatment 

Seeking professional treatment for a substance use disorder offers numerous advantages. At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital, patients benefit from: 

Medical Safety & Supervision 

Professional treatment ensures that patients receive appropriate medical support. This includes support during detoxification and throughout their recovery process. Many substances can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms that require medical monitoring and intervention. Our clinical team includes medical professionals who are trained to help patients manage these symptoms safely. 

Approaches 

Our team utilizes therapies and interventions that have proved to be effective in treating addictions. This includes individual and group therapy, medication management when appropriate, and specialized care for co-occurring behavioral health conditions. 

Comprehensive Assessment & Individualized Treatment 

Each patient receives a thorough evaluation. This helps identify all factors contributing to their symptoms, which allows our team to develop a personalized treatment plan for them that addresses their needs. 

Coping Skills & Relapse Prevention Strategies 

Treatment focuses on helping patients develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress, triggers, and difficult emotions without resorting to substance use. Patients learn practical skills they can apply in real-world situations after leaving our facility. 

Peer Support & Community 

Group therapy provides patients with opportunities to connect with others who understand their experiences. This sense of community can be incredibly healing and motivating during recovery. 

Family Involvement & Education 

We recognize that addiction affects entire families. Our treatment includes family education and therapy sessions designed to help families improve communication, rebuild trust, and create supportive home environments for continued recovery. 

At our treatment center in Greenville, North Carolina, we address the complex nature of addiction through multiple types of services. 

Group Therapy 

Group therapy sessions are at the center of our treatment approach. Patients participate in various groups, including process groups, educational groups, and skill-building sessions. Topics may include relapse prevention, coping strategies, trauma processing, and building healthy relationships. These sessions provide opportunities for peer support and learning from others’ experiences. 

Medication Management Services 

Patients may receive medication management services as part of their treatment plan when clinically appropriate. Our medical team carefully monitors patients to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medications. 

Individual & Family Therapy 

While group therapy is central to our approach, patients also have access to individual counseling sessions to address personal concerns that may be contributing to their addiction symptoms. Family therapy sessions can help patients repair relationships and educate loved ones. 

ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital offers multiple levels of treatment to meet patients at different stages of their recovery journey: 

Inpatient Treatment 
Our inpatient services involve 24-hour medical supervision and intensive therapeutic intervention for patients who are experiencing severe symptoms of addiction. Patients reside in comfortable rooms on specialized units that promote healing. This level of treatment is often appropriate for patients who need medical detoxification, have co-occurring behavioral health conditions, or have been unsuccessful with less intensive care. 

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)  – coming soon!

The partial hospitalization program can be a good option for patients who have completed inpatient treatment and need continued structure and support, as well as those who don’t require round-the-clock supervision. 

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – coming soon!

Our intensive outpatient program provides flexibility for patients who need to fulfill work, school, or family obligations while receiving treatment. Patients take part in therapy sessions several times per week while living at home. 

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of an addiction, it’s vital to seek professional help as soon as possible. Recovery is possible with appropriate treatment and support. 

At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital in Greenville, North Carolina, we believe that every patient deserves compassionate, comprehensive care that addresses their individual needs. Our experienced clinical team works with each patient to develop a treatment plan that provides the best opportunity for lasting recovery. 

Recovery begins with reaching out for help. Our admissions team is available to answer questions, verify insurance coverage, and help determine the most appropriate level of treatment.