Overview

Horizons is a comprehensive gender specific treatment program for women who are struggling with substance abuse or addiction. We offer a safe, nurturing, and confidential place for women to begin their recovery for themselves and their families.

Horizons provides several levels of outpatient treatment, including individual counseling, relapse prevention groups, family sessions, and half day and full day intensive outpatient treatment.

Programs Offered:

• Perinatal Program
• Outpatient Treatment Program
• Sunrise Casaworks Residential Program
• Services for the Children 

Education and Outreach

Horizons also sponsors an Annual Conference on Women and Addiction each April at the Friday Center in Chapel Hill. We also publish a quarterly newsletter for service providers. Please see archive for past issues.

Horizons staff provide training and education to service providers and the general public in workshops and conferences. Topics include: Basics of Substance Abuse, Gender Specific Treatment, Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence, Perinatal Substance Abuse Treatment, Parenting Issues for Women Struggling with Addiction.

Research

Horizons encourages clients to participate in the many research projects that may be available or interesting to them at UNC.

In addition, we also have been involved in several research projects including: a NIDA clinical trial on motivational interviewing, a national demonstration project with CASA to develop a treatment program that addresses both employment and recovery, research on the connections between substance abuse and domestic violence, and a study on the effects of residential treatment on parenting and child development.

Staffing

As a comprehensive service provider, Horizons staff represent many disciplines. The Horizons Medical Director is Dr. John Thorp, who is the Division Director for UNC Women's Primary Healthcare.

Our team includes:

• A Certified Nurse Midwife
• Psychiatrists
• Nurses
• Family therapists
• Child therapists
• Social workers
• Substance abuse counselors
• Case managers
• Childcare teachers
• Job readiness instructors
• Resident Advisors
• Drivers
• Administrative personnel

Currently, Horizons has a staff of over 35 people.

Funding

Horizons is funded primarily by Federal and State substance abuse treatment funds through SAMHSA and the NC Division of Substance Abuse Services, and service reimbursements. Horizons also receives support from the Orange County Partnership for Young Children (Smart Start), the Alamance County Partnership for Children, Alamance County United Way, and the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation.

All Horizons participants are offered:

• Prenatal and gynecological care
• Health education
• Exercise and nutrition classes
• Addiction counseling
• Treatment for trauma, depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns
• Parent support groups
• Job readiness classes
• Family and relationships education and counseling
• Comprehensive evaluations and treatment for the children in the residence or our on-site childcare center
• Assistance with child care and transportation