Opioid Treatment and MAT in Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem has methadone OTPs, office-based buprenorphine, and public doors that can point to detox and MOUD. Opioid care here should start with medication access, not a marketing tour.
How bad the opioid problem is here
Forsyth County's Unseen Patterns overdose map reports 1,741 overdose-related 911 responses in 2024, up from 1,583 in 2023, while county staff reported 21 fewer overdose deaths than in 2023. Local coverage also flagged a sharp rise in alcohol-related overdose calls (548 in 2024 vs 119 in 2023).
Medication options near Winston-Salem
Within 30 miles of downtown Winston-Salem (ZIP 27101), the SAMHSA treatment locator currently lists:
- 7 federally certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs)
- 26 facilities that prescribe buprenorphine
- 24 offering outpatient methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone treatment
- 11 facilities offering detoxification and 53 substance use facilities overall
Forsyth County Behavioral Health Services / LME-MCO publicly funded partners are primary public-network doors. Counts change as programs open and close.
Why medication matters for opioid use disorder
Medications for opioid use disorder (methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone when clinically appropriate) reduce overdose risk and support retention in care. Opioid withdrawal is miserable and dehydrating, but the bigger danger is losing tolerance and overdosing after a pause. Do not try to "tough out" fentanyl withdrawal without a plan for medication and naloxone.
If someone is overdosing - slow or stopped breathing, blue lips, unresponsive - call 911 and give naloxone if you have it. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988.
Paying for opioid treatment in Winston-Salem
NC Medicaid covers medically necessary MOUD and related SUD care through participating providers when you are eligible. Ask specifically about OTP methadone, office-based buprenorphine, injectable options, and prior authorization. If you are uninsured, ask Forsyth County Behavioral Health Services / LME-MCO publicly funded partners about sliding-fee and publicly funded pathways.
How to start today
- If someone is overdosing, call 911 and give naloxone. For a crisis, call or text 988.
- Call or text (800) 653-9376 to speak with a treatment specialist, or use this form:
Calling is free; the referral service is paid for by treatment providers, and we check your benefits before you commit.
- Search findtreatment.gov with ZIP code 27101 and filter for opioid treatment programs or buprenorphine.
- Ask any program whether same-week medication induction is available and whether they help with naloxone.
Opioid use disorder is treatable with medication and support. The first call is usually harder than the clinical start.