What Addiction Is
Addiction is a chronic condition that affects both the mind and the body. It often disrupts health, relationships and daily life, and it is a medical issue that calls for compassionate, evidence-based care.
Genetics, environment, mental health and trauma all play a role, and addiction changes the brain’s reward system. That creates strong urges to keep using a substance even when the consequences are harmful, which is why recovery can be hard without the right help.
At Ascend Recovery Center, we treat the whole person and work on the underlying causes of addiction, not just the symptoms.
Signs of Addiction
The signs vary by substance, by person and by severity. Spotting them early makes it easier to get timely care. Common signs include:
Physical
changes in weight, unusual sleep patterns, getting sick more often, and withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, nausea or headaches.
Behavioral
neglecting work, school or family responsibilities, secrecy about activities or whereabouts, losing interest in hobbies and relationships, and risky behavior such as driving under the influence.
Psychological
mood swings, persistent anxiety, depression or sadness, and compulsive cravings that get in the way of daily life.
Social
pulling away from family and friends, frequent conflict with loved ones, and money problems.
If several of these sound familiar, it may be time to talk with someone. Early intervention can lead to a more successful recovery.
Our Success Stories
EXCELLENT Based on 45 reviews · Posted on Google
Ascend is the best place to go for recovery! This program and people really care about you and you maintaining a lifetime sobriety and gives you any and every tool there is to accomplish lifetime sobriety even when you leave this place! I love this program and everyone that is apart of my path to sobriety forever from the staff all the way to the clients I had an honor to do this program with!! Love you guys and thank you so much for everything you have and will do for me in this new journey and a lifelong sobriety! One day at a time!!
If you want to get clean this is the place … you think you need comfortably but what you need is to be uncomfortable, and listen to words that will save your life and to apply it to your life. It might be repetitive but we were being repetitive with our drug use. If you sit and listen to what this great staff has to say I promise you will learn not just how to be sober but to know who you really are .. can you tell me who you are,the one reading this , the one currently using ?? I can guess the answer no … so why don’t you take this step and be around people who understand you ..take this step now because tomorrow is not promised .. and I would not be able to say none of this without the help of Ascend recovery program !! you can do this, do this for you ! ❤️
Ascend has a great staff who are caring, compassionate and supportive.
I was able to look back at past patterns and receive the help I needed to stay sober. Thank you to the staff and I am excited for my new journey!
When to Ask for Help
You do not need to hit a particular low point before reaching out. It may be time if use is affecting your work, school, family or health, if you need more of a substance to feel the same effect, if you feel sick or shaky when you stop, if you have tried to cut back without success, or if you rely on a substance to cope with stress or emotions.
If You Are Worried About Someone You Love
Addiction affects families too. Family therapy at Ascend helps family members understand the dynamics of addiction, identify unhealthy patterns, and develop ways to support a loved one’s recovery. You can also read our article on the role of family support in overcoming addiction.
Substances and Conditions We Treat
Ascend Recovery Center in Charlotte provides outpatient treatment for substance use disorders. Learn more about each below, or see our full addiction treatment overview.
- Alcohol addiction treatment: therapy and relapse prevention, including evidence-based methods such as CBT.
- Opiate addiction treatment: CBT, contingency management and holistic therapies. If detox is needed first, our team helps coordinate a referral.
- Stimulant addiction treatment: for prescription stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin and for substances like methamphetamine or cocaine.
- Benzodiazepine addiction treatment: for people whose use began with a prescription such as Xanax, Ativan, Valium or Klonopin.
- Prescription drug addiction treatment: for medications first prescribed for pain, anxiety or sleep.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: support for co-occurring mental health conditions alongside addiction.
Levels of Care in Charlotte
Ascend Charlotte treats adults 18 and older whose primary diagnosis is a substance use disorder. We offer four levels of outpatient care:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Monday through Saturday, 9:00am to 2:30pm.
- Day Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): 9:00am to 12:00pm, 3 or 5 days a week, in person.
- Virtual IOP: Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, 5:00pm to 8:00pm, for North Carolina residents.
- Outpatient Program (OP): scheduled around each client’s own schedule.
Charlotte does not provide medical detox onsite. If detox is needed, our team can help coordinate a referral to a licensed provider.
How to Get Started
Reach out.
Call (866) 606-5732 or verify your insurance benefits online.
Have a confidential consultation.
We ask about your medical history, substance use and personal circumstances.
Get a personalized plan.
After the assessment, our team guides you through the next steps, including a detox referral if necessary.
Ascend is in network with BCBS, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, Curative and TRICARE East, and out-of-network benefits are accepted. Coverage depends on your plan and benefits.
Common Questions
Is addiction a choice?
Addiction is a complex, chronic medical condition, not a matter of willpower. Genetics, environment, mental health and trauma all contribute, and it changes how the brain’s reward system works.
Does Ascend Charlotte provide detox?
No. Charlotte provides outpatient substance use treatment, and our team can coordinate a referral for medical detox at another facility when it is needed.
Can you treat addiction and a mental health condition together?
Yes. Our outpatient substance use treatment includes care for co-occurring mental health conditions. Charlotte does not provide primary mental health treatment on its own.
Does Ascend accept my insurance?
Ascend is in network with BCBS, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, Curative and TRICARE East. You can verify your benefits online or call (866) 606-5732.
Take the First Step
Ascend Recovery Center is accredited by The Joint Commission and located at 9305 Monroe Rd, Suite A/B, Charlotte, NC 28270. Call (866) 606-5732 when you are ready to talk, or contact us and we will reach out.
Insurance verification is available
Ascend is in network with BCBS, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, Curative and TRICARE East.