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Substance Use Therapy
Discover What’s Possible When You Have the Right Support

Over 50 Five-Star Google Reviews | Serving Wilmington Since 2007 | Personalized, Compassionate Care for Real-Life Change

Image by Jeremy Bezanger

You’re Not Broken—You’re in Pain

We help people struggling with substance use take back control, heal from trauma, and build a life that finally feels safe. You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need someone who gets it.

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What’s Chaos, Shame, and Survival Mode Costing You?

You’re juggling court dates, CPS demands, housing stress, and cravings that hit like a freight train. You want to do better—but every time you try, something else falls apart. One missed bus, one missed call, and it feels like you're right back at square one. You’re not lazy. You’re not weak. You’re just exhausted. Every day without support is another day stuck in survival mode, where guilt piles up and hope gets buried under one more “I messed up.” It doesn’t have to stay this way.

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We Get the Full Picture—And We’re Here for All of It

We know substance use isn’t just about stopping the substance. It’s about the pain underneath, the survival mode you’ve lived in, and the pressure of systems that don’t see the whole you. When you’re navigating CPS, court, housing, and cravings—all at once—therapy can feel like just another thing on the list. That’s why we show up differently. No judgment. No shame. Just people who truly understand how heavy it’s all been.

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Since 2007, A Helping Hand of Wilmington has supported people exactly where they are—in the middle of the mess, the fear, and the uncertainty. We’re trusted by TASC, DSS, courts and clients alike, and known for therapy that goes deeper than checkbox recovery. Our team knows how to walk beside you through relapse, resistance, and rebuilding—and help you come out stronger on the other side.

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You don’t have to prove you’re worthy of help—we already believe you are.

Therapists Who Truly Understand

We offer therapy with Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists so you can trust that someone actually gets what you’re facing, which means you’ll feel seen—not judged.

Care That Meets Real Standards

We’ve been serving Wilmington since 2007 with licensed, seasoned therapists who rely on research-supported approaches, which means your progress is supported by years of professional experience.

Support That Fits Your Life

We offer flexible payment options and accessible therapy so you can get the help you need without extra stress, which means you won’t have to choose between care and survival.

How It Works

Step 1: Make the First Call
We’ll walk you through payment options and verify your coverage so you can get started without stress.

Step 2: Get a Personalized Assessment

We’ll schedule an in-depth assessment to understand your needs so you can receive therapy that’s tailored just for you.

Step 3: Begin Therapy with the Right Match

We’ll match you with the right therapist for your situation so you can begin healing with someone who truly understands you.

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In-Office or Online Appointments Available

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm


Insurance: BCBS, United Health Care, Humana, Aetna

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Self-Pay: $95.00 per session. We take Major Credit Cards. Care Credit, and Cash

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Uninsured Low Income: FREE (we have a contract for state funding to pay for your counseling)

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Medicaid: Trillium, Amerihealth Caritas, BCBS Healthy Blue, Carolina Complete Health, UHC Community Plan, WellCare

Hope Is Real. These Reviews Prove It.

I came to AHHW because I originally couldn't complete treatment at WTC because of migraines. I choose to come here and have been so blessed. Even after completing inside WTC I continued to come to the group classes and one on one counseling with Steph Sturges because I wanted to be there. Steph has lived through what we're all struggling with and is brilliant. The program is written by Steph and she has a way of being able to connect personally to every type of person that needs help with addiction or trauma. Steph is loving and will be tough when you need it but in a way that is pallitable. Seriously I have been part of group at A helping hand of Wilmington for a year and the group provides a feeling of welcome and community to people of all walks of life. I have been in recovery before and was sober for 10 years before losing my way again. Everyone who struggles with addiction and makes a commitment to change has certain needs and lessons to learn. A helping hand of Wilmington provides a fun place to be during some of the hardest times in a person's life. People are here because they want to help because they know what you're going through and more importantly how to get you back to a fulfilling life.

Stephanie C.

Common Questions About Substance Use and Recovery

What if I’ve already tried therapy or rehab and it didn’t work?
That’s more common than you think—and it doesn’t mean you failed. We tailor therapy to your real life, your past experiences, and your current challenges. If you’re here now, you’re already doing something different. We build on that.

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Do I have to be completely ready to quit using before I start therapy?
Not at all. You just have to be ready to talk. We meet you where you are—no pressure, no judgment—just support and honest conversation.

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What if I don’t have insurance or can’t afford therapy?
We accept Medicaid and offer funding options for clients without insurance. Our goal is to remove barriers, not create them. Let's talk through your options.

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How am I supposed to get to therapy if I don’t have reliable transportation?
You may not need to travel. We offer telehealth sessions and can work with your situation to help make therapy accessible, no matter where you are.

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I’m nervous about opening up. Can I really trust your therapists?
Yes. Our therapists understand what you’ve been through and prioritize safety, trust, and confidentiality. You’ll never be judged for your past—only supported toward your future.

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Why do I keep craving drugs even when I want to stop?
Cravings and compulsive use are common with substance use disorders. These intense urges often bring feelings of shame, anxiety, and a loss of control—especially when you've tried to quit before. Therapy helps you understand and manage these urges without judgment.

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What if I relapse over and over again?
Repeated relapses don’t mean you’ve failed—they mean you're human. Many people feel hopeless and guilty after using again, but relapse is part of the recovery process. We help you build tools to bounce back stronger each time.

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How can therapy help if I’m dealing with court or probation?
Legal involvement like court dates, probation, or even jail can feel overwhelming and powerless. Our team understands how the legal system impacts your mental health and substance use—and we help you navigate both with real support.

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Can therapy help me if CPS is involved?
Absolutely. CPS involvement often triggers deep shame, grief, and fear of losing your children. We offer support that addresses both your emotional pain and the real-world steps needed to meet requirements and rebuild trust.

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What if I don’t have stable housing?
Unstable housing creates constant stress and survival mode. Whether you’re in a shelter, couch-hopping, or unsure where you’ll sleep next—we offer therapy that meets you where you are and works with your current reality.

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How do I deal with financial stress and still get therapy?
Financial hardship is real—and it can add to feelings of despair and helplessness. We accept Medicaid and offer funding support so cost doesn’t keep you from getting the care you deserve.

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I miss appointments because I don’t have a car. What should I do?
Transportation issues are a common barrier to consistent care. That’s why we offer telehealth and flexible scheduling options so you can get help without worrying about how you’ll get there.

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What if I’m constantly fighting with my family or partner?
Substance use can strain even the closest relationships. We help you work through conflict, rebuild trust, and reconnect with loved ones in a healthier way—without shame or blame.

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I feel completely alone. Can therapy help with that?
Yes. Many people with substance use issues feel abandoned or invisible. We provide a safe, judgment-free space where you’re seen, heard, and supported—so you can begin reconnecting with others and with yourself.

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How does substance use affect my physical health?
Addiction can lead to poor health, untreated illnesses, and constant fatigue. Our therapy doesn’t just address mental health—we help you take steps toward healing your body and regaining strength.

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Why do I feel so foggy and unmotivated all the time?
Mental fog and low motivation often come with substance use. You may feel stuck, defeated, or unable to focus. We help you rebuild structure and clarity so you can start caring about your goals again.

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What if I don’t even trust myself anymore?
Losing self-trust is one of the hardest parts of addiction. You may feel like you're always letting yourself down. We work with you to rebuild that trust, one step at a time, without shame.

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Why do I keep flipping out or shutting down?
Emotional volatility—like mood swings or anger—is a symptom of deeper pain. We help you regulate your emotions so you can respond with clarity instead of reacting out of fear or frustration.

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I don’t trust therapists. Why should I trust you?
If you’ve been burned by the system before, it’s normal to feel defensive. But our practice is built on trust, transparency, and understanding. You’ll never be treated like a problem—we see you as a person, first and always.

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I don’t even know who I am anymore. Is that normal?
Yes. Addiction can crush your sense of identity and leave you feeling empty or invisible. We help you reconnect with who you are beyond the pain—because you’re more than your addiction.

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OFFICE: (910) 796-6868 | FAX: 910-796-6869

5013 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403

Copyright 2025 by A Helping Hand Of Wilmington        Wilmington, NC

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