Let’s be honest. When you’re looking into something like the Walter B. Jones ADATC, you’re probably not doing it for fun. You’re likely at a crossroads. Maybe it’s for you, or maybe it’s for someone you love who is spiraling. There’s a lot of clinical jargon out there about "dual diagnosis" and "state-operated facilities," but if you're standing on the doorstep of 2577 West 5th Street in Greenville, North Carolina, you just want to know if this place actually helps.
The Walter B. Jones Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center—most people just call it "Walter Jones" or WBJ—isn't a luxury spa. It’s a state-run hospital. That carries a certain weight, doesn't it? It means it’s accessible, but it also means it’s high-stakes. This facility is one of three major state-operated ADATCs in North Carolina, and it has been around since 1969. That’s over 50 years of dealing with the absolute worst of the opioid epidemic, alcoholism, and the mental health crises that usually tag along for the ride.
What Actually Happens During Admission?
Admissions are intense. You don't just walk in and get a bed. Honestly, it’s a process. Most people come through a referral from a Local Management Entity (LME) or a Managed Care Organization (MCO). If you just show up, you’ll be assessed, but there’s no guarantee of a spot right then.
Here is the thing: they prioritize.
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Pregnant women and individuals with HIV/AIDS move to the front of the line. It makes sense. Those are high-risk situations where every hour counts. For everyone else, you’re looking at a 48-bed capacity. That’s not a lot for a facility that serves 38 counties in Eastern North Carolina.
When you get there, expect a "full court press" from the medical team. You’ll see a doctor, a psychiatric professional, and a nurse within the first few hours. You have to wear scrubs for the first few days. It’s a safety thing, mostly to make sure nobody is bringing in anything they shouldn't. They’ll take your shoelaces, too. Anything with a string or a belt is a no-go. It sounds restrictive because it is. They are trying to keep people alive while their brains are screaming for a fix.
The Dual Diagnosis Reality at Walter B. Jones ADATC
A lot of rehabs claim they do "dual diagnosis," but Walter B. Jones ADATC is actually built for it. They have two distinct wings: Woodside and Lakeside.
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Woodside is the substance use side. Lakeside is the psychiatric hospital side.
In reality, the lines between those two are incredibly blurry. Most people struggling with heroin or meth are also dealing with PTSD, depression, or bipolar disorder. If you only treat the drug use, the person crashes the second they hit a "trigger" in the real world. WBJ uses a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). These aren't just buzzwords. They are tools to help people stop reacting to their emotions like they're a house on fire.
- Medically Monitored Detox: This is the scary part. Withdrawal is brutal. They use medications like Methadone and Buprenorphine to manage the physical pain of detoxing from opioids.
- Perinatal Program: This is a big deal. They have specialized care for expectant mothers. It’s one of the few places where the focus is keeping both the mom and the baby safe through the withdrawal process.
- Trauma-Informed Care: A huge percentage of patients at WBJ have a history of trauma. The staff is trained to not just ask "what's wrong with you?" but "what happened to you?"
The "State Hospital" Reputation: Is it True?
You’ll hear mixed things. Some people say the staff saved their lives. Others complain about the rules or the "hospital feel."
Look, it’s a government facility. It’s clean, but it’s functional. You’re sharing a room with another person, though they try to give you your own space if the census is low. The food? It’s better than you’d expect—three meals a day plus snacks—but it’s not five-star dining.
The real value isn’t in the thread count of the sheets. It’s in the fact that they don’t turn you away because you’re broke. They use a sliding scale for fees. If you have Medicaid or private insurance, they take it. If you have nothing, they still work with you. That’s the "safety net" aspect of the Walter B. Jones ADATC that often gets overlooked.
Why 30 Days Might Not Be Enough
There is a misconception that you go to WBJ, stay for a month, and you’re "cured."
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That’s not how addiction works.
The center is designed for crisis stabilization. It’s about getting the chemicals out of your system and getting your brain stable enough to actually think. The real work happens in "Aftercare." WBJ staff spend a lot of time on discharge planning. They connect you with housing services, peer support, and outpatient programs in your home county.
If you leave WBJ and go right back to the same house with the same people doing the same drugs, you’re going to relapse. Period. The facility is a "reset button," but you have to be the one to keep the machine running afterward.
What You Need to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
If you're heading there, or sending someone, pack light. You need exactly seven outfits. No more.
- Do Bring: Walking shoes (Velcro or slip-on are best since laces are banned), basic toiletries (no alcohol-based mouthwash!), and maybe some books.
- Don't Bring: Anything with strings, belts, or sharp edges. No cell phones. No laptops. You are there to disconnect from the chaos.
Actionable Steps for Enrollment
If you or a family member needs help from the Walter B. Jones ADATC, don’t wait for a "rock bottom" that might be fatal.
- Contact your local LME/MCO: This is the gatekeeper for state-funded care in North Carolina. They have to authorize the referral.
- Gather your medical records: If there are underlying psychiatric issues, having that paperwork ready speeds up the Lakeside (psychiatric) side of the process.
- Check the bed count: Call the main line at (252) 830-3426. Ask about the current census. Staffing shortages sometimes limit how many beds are open, even if the building isn't physically full.
- Prepare for the "scrub period": Mental preparation is key. Tell yourself that the first 72 hours will be the hardest, but the medical staff is there to prevent the worst withdrawal symptoms.
The Walter B. Jones ADATC is a tough environment for a tough problem. It isn't a vacation, and it isn't easy. But for thousands of North Carolinians over the last half-century, it has been the only thing standing between a total collapse and a second chance. If you’re ready to do the work, the resources are there.