In North Carolina, addiction is a serious issue that affects many people. It's not just a problem for a small group; it's something that impacts over 10% of the state’s population. This means that thousands of people in North Carolina are dealing with the struggles of substance use disorders (SUD), which makes the need for support and treatment more important than ever.
Â
Every day in 2022, more than 11 North Carolinians lost their lives to drug overdoses. What's even more alarming is that 95% of these deaths were accidental. This shows how dangerous and unpredictable drug use can be, especially with the rise of powerful and risky substances like fentanyl on the streets.
Â
Addiction doesn’t discriminate—it affects people from all walks of life, across every corner of the state. Whether you're in a big city or a small town, addiction can touch your life. Unfortunately, even though the need for help is urgent, many people in North Carolina don’t have access to the treatment and resources they need to recover. This lack of access is a huge problem, particularly in rural areas where treatment centers are few and far between.
Â
During the pandemic, drug use in North Carolina rose significantly, especially among younger people. This rise in substance use often went hand in hand with an increase in mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. For some, these struggles have been made worse by factors like poverty, lack of healthcare, and the stigma that still surrounds addiction.
Â
Understanding the numbers behind addiction in North Carolina can help shed light on this crisis. According to surveys, about 10% to 12% of people aged 12 and older in North Carolina have used drugs recently. For young adults, ages 18 to 25, that number jumps to nearly 21%. Alcohol and tobacco use are also common, with nearly 44% of people reporting alcohol misuse.
Â
The opioid crisis is a major part of North Carolina’s addiction problem. Opioid overdose deaths in the state rose by 22% in 2021 alone. The situation is so severe that in some parts of North Carolina, especially rural areas, people don’t have any nearby options for addiction treatment. This leaves a large part of the state without the help they need to fight opioid addiction.