SouthLight Becomes First in NC to Offer Evening Opioid Treatment Program 

SouthLight Healthcare recently expanded access to opioid addiction treatment by adding evening hours to its Opioid Treatment Program.  

This makes SouthLight the first and only Opioid Treatment Program in North Carolina to offer both morning and evening hours for those seeking medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction.  

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, more than 200 people in Wake County died of drug overdoses in 2021, with opioids playing a role in three quarters of those deaths. SouthLight is addressing the crisis by expanding access to care. 

In addition to the regular clinic hours, from 5:30 am to 12:30 pm, patients now have an evening option, from 4 pm to 7 pm on weekdays and 4-6 pm on weekends and holidays. The clinic is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

“Limited access has been one of the biggest barriers to treatment. Now our patients can get to their jobs on time; they can get their kids to school. For the first time, they have options.” 

Kristin Cain, Ph.D., Senior Operations Director of Opioid Treatment Services

One patient shared how much this change means to them: “I work nights. I hated coming in here in the mornings after a long shift. Now I can get my medication and have a happier, much more productive, workday…and then go home and sleep. It’s a win-win for me.” 

SouthLight operates one of the largest nonprofit opioid treatment programs in the state, serving more than 600 people every day. Services are available to all people regardless of their ability to pay or their insurance status. 

Cain says, “This increased access to treatment will add to the robust array of programs and support we provide. Our goal is to enable more people to engage in the treatment process on their journey to recovery.” 

SouthLight licensed clinical addiction specialist Shaun Thomas explains: It’s important to understand that opioid use disorders are not a personal failing or a choice. Opiates are highly addictive, and regular use results in changes to a person’s brain chemistry, which makes it very difficult to stop using opiates without help.  

Learn more about understanding opioid addition and medication assisted treatment here.

Additional Resources 

• Learn more about Opioid Treatment services here.  
• Get the facts straight: read about myths and facts of medication assisted treatment.  
• Read Adam Hartzell’s blog on the opioid settlement funding.  

For Additional Information/Media Inquiries: 

Karen Cook
Director of Marketing & Communications
Email: cookk@southlight.org  

About SouthLight Healthcare: 

Founded in 1970, SouthLight Healthcare is one of the area’s largest nonprofit providers of substance use treatment and mental health services. SouthLight partners with individuals and communities to provide innovative treatment solutions delivered with compassion and dignity. With outpatient and community-based programs, SouthLight provides prevention, education, and treatment services in the Triangle and beyond. Call 919-787-6131 for help or more information or visit www.southlight.org.