FIRST Facts

FIRST at Blue Ridge, Inc. is a private, nonprofit, charitable 501(c)(3) organization, proudly serving North Carolina since its founding in 1991. We are only the second licensed therapeutic community in the state, providing a structured, peer-led recovery program focused on long-term Substance Use Disorder treatment. With an unwavering commitment to helping individuals build healthier lives, FIRST offers a secure, supportive environment for those on the journey to sobriety.
Our campus in Ridgecrest, North Carolina, features an 85-bed facility for men, a 65-bed facility for women, and multiple transitional living residences. Situated just east of Asheville off exit 66 on Interstate 40, FIRST provides a structured, residential environment where residents learn valuable job skills and develop the ability to maintain gainful employment.

Admission and Eligibility:

FIRST operates as a voluntary program and maintains strict eligibility criteria. We do not admit individuals with convictions for violent crimes, sexual offenses, or arson, and those previously diagnosed with mental health issues are subjected to a screening by a professional from our clinical department to determine their eligibility for acceptance to our community-focused environment. Our primary focus is on individuals with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. Potential participants are carefully screened prior to admission, with some residents being on probation. For these individuals, we maintain open communication with the courts and probation officers to ensure compliance.

Therapeutic and Vocational Structure:

Participants in the FIRST program receive group therapy, case management, and employment experience. Residents are encouraged to actively participate in self-help recovery programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Celebrate Recovery, SMART Recovery, or Refuge Recovery. As part of the program, long-term clients contribute through job assignments with local employers, known as Vocational Training Partners. These partnerships not only help fund the program but also provide clients with essential work experience and a solid foundation for future employment.

Flexible Program Options:

Understanding that long-term treatment may not be possible for everyone due to family or work commitments, FIRST offers short-term intensive programs that range from 14 to 90 days. Available as a fee-for-service option, these programs provide intensive, short-term support tailored to the individual’s needs and schedule.

Vet's First Program:

FIRST also proudly supports veterans with a specialized 24-month program called “Vet’s FIRST,” partially funded by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans in this program live on the FIRST campus, where they receive substance use treatment, case management, and additional support while maintaining employment in the community.

Our Commitment to Change:

FIRST is committed to transforming individuals who may have previously been seen as burdens on society into responsible, tax-paying citizens. By addressing the root causes of Substance Use Disorder and providing practical skills for self-sufficiency, we help residents achieve independence and stability.

Substance use in the United States

The economic impact of substance use in the United States has been substantial and has evolved over time. A 2016 study estimated that the cost of prescription opioid overdoses, non-medical use, and dependence was approximately $78.5 billion in 2013, with the majority attributed to healthcare and criminal justice spending, along with lost productivity.

By 2017, the White House reported that the opioid epidemic alone cost the United States an estimated $504 billion in 2015.

These figures indicate a significant increase in the economic burden of substance use over the years, suggesting that the annual health and disability costs have likely surpassed the previously cited $240 billion.

In addition to our comprehensive programs, FIRST is proud to partner with the Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP.) Together, we address the interconnected challenges of substance use and related health risks, offering prevention education, harm reduction services, and access to critical resources. This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering healthier, more resilient communities.

FIRST at Blue Ridge is devoted to reducing this impact by helping individuals regain control of their lives—one person at a time. Recovery begins with the FIRST step, and we are here to help each resident take that essential step forward.

Contact Us:

32 Knox Rd. Ridgecrest, NC 28770

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