Substance abuse negatively impacted nearly half of the residents of Western North Carolina (WNC), according to a 2021 survey.1 Opioid use continues to be one of the most pressing issues, as the same report revealed that 13% of adults in the region used opioids with or without a prescription. Asheville is one of the largest metropolitan areas in WNC, and the Asheville drug problem is even more alarming than the surrounding area.
Do you or someone you know need help to break away from drug abuse? Red Oak Recovery® offers drug addiction treatment addiction for men just about 30 minutes from Asheville. Call 828.382.9699 to get started.
Asheville Drug Use
Prescription painkillers and other opioids top the list of Asheville drug use, which is a chronic problem dating back several years. The rate of medication and drug overdoses is more than 1.5 times higher in Buncombe County than it is in the rest of the state.
Fentanyl, heroin, and other powerful opioids were involved in nearly all overdose deaths in the county from 2017–2021.2 The impact of opioid addiction is far-reaching and can lead to other issues.
Overdose Is a Major Issue
Illicit fentanyl is a major problem in Asheville, as it can be up to 50 times more potent than heroin. Even people who use drugs are at risk of accidental overdose, as they cannot know the strength or content of the substance.
Opioid overdose can be reversed with naloxone (Narcan). The lifesaving medication is available through harm reduction programs in Buncombe County, along with syringe services.3 You may need to administer Narcan if you recognize the signs of opioid overdose:
- Inability to wake the person up
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Blue or purple lips and fingernails
- Snoring or gurgling sounds
If you spot these signs, call 911 immediately. Even if you administer Narcan, additional doses and other medical treatment may be needed.
Most Dangerous Drugs in North Carolina
Drug misuse is dangerous in all forms. But some drugs have higher risks of overdose. These include the most common drugs reported in overdose deaths:
- Heroin and fentanyl
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Benzodiazepines
Alcohol is also a major contributor to overdose deaths, as it can increase the risk of respiratory depression, especially when combined with drugs like opioids or benzos.
Heroin and Fentanyl
Heroin and fentanyl are two of the most dangerous drugs in North Carolina, with Buncombe County being no exception. Heroin is a highly addictive opioid made from morphine, and fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be 50 times stronger than heroin. Both drugs have been linked to numerous overdose deaths in Asheville and across the state.
Cocaine
Cocaine use is also prevalent in the state. It’s a highly addictive drug that speeds up the central nervous system. It can lead to serious health issues such as heart attack, stroke, and respiratory failure. In 2021, cocaine was involved in several overdose deaths in Buncombe County.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is another dangerous drug that has been on the rise in recent years. It’s a powerful stimulant that can cause severe physical and psychological effects. Overdoses from methamphetamine have been increasing significantly across the state, and the drug was the second most common substance involved behind heroin/fentanyl.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders. However, when misused or combined with other drugs like opioids or alcohol, they can have deadly consequences.
Addiction Treatment in North Carolina
High drug addiction rates point out the need for qualified addiction treatment programs in North Carolina. Asheville drug use causes a frightening number of arrests and hospitalizations. But treatment is effective and available at Red Oak Recovery®. Our treatment programs include:
- Holistic healing services
- Drug use treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
- Painkiller addiction treatment
Our clinicians can help you find the right treatment option for your substance use and mental health disorders.
Do You Need Addiction Treatment?
Drug use can quickly turn from casual or experimental use to a serious problem. Recognizing the symptoms of drug addiction is the first step to getting help. Some signs that you or a loved one may need addiction treatment include:
- Struggling at work, school, or home due to drug use
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from drugs
- Continuing to use drugs despite negative consequences
- Appearing sick or weak, which may be signs of withdrawal
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction in Asheville or anywhere in Western North Carolina, don’t hesitate to seek help. Red Oak Recovery® offers personalized and evidence-based treatment programs to help individuals overcome substance abuse and achieve long-term recovery. Contact us today for more information on our services and how we can support your journey towards
Seek Drug Addiction Treatment at Red Oak Recovery®
Red Oak Recovery® provides drug addiction treatment for men in Asheville, North Carolina. Our enrollment team can help you find out more about our services or to enroll in a recovery program. Contact us online or at 828.382.9699 today to get on the road to recovery.
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