A Closer Look at Opioid Overdose Statistics in North Carolina

The opioid epidemic is one of the biggest health crises the United States faces, with recent numbers reflecting an increase in overdose deaths almost 800 percent higher than what was occurring back in the late nineties. These tragic numbers are due, in part, to routine and possible irresponsible opioid prescription-filling, but also to the prevalence of illicit use overall. 

Certain states see differing statistics, and today we want to focus primarily on the opioid overdose and death statistics with the state of North Carolina, as well as the many treatment options available to individuals in the area.

Opioid epidemic statistics 

The year 2021 was one of the worst years for opioid-related deaths, with a reported 4,041 people in North Carolina alone losing their lives to overdose – the highest number on record. What is interesting is this does not correlate with the number of prescription opioids being filled, as the total amount in the general United States has decreased in the past four years.

What has increased is the use of fentanyl in drugs. Fentanyl not only increases batches, making it more cost-effective for manufacturers, but it makes the substance much more potent. Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, making it a lethal drug if used inappropriately in any way. 

Combining substances has always been dangerous, but when drugs are laced with this highly lethal drug, the outcomes can be disastrous – such is the case in the current stage of the opioid crisis.

According to one source, 71 percent of the thousands of opioid overdose deaths in North Carolina were connected to fentanyl. And since 2019, increases in overdose deaths have been reflected in certain populations, as seen below: 

• White populations showed a 53 percent increase
• An increase of 139 percent was seen among Black/African American populations 
• And American Indian/Indigenous populations saw a rise of 117 percent 

When it comes to differences between genders, because men are at a higher risk for developing opioid use disorder, they are also more prone to overdosing as a result. One study revealed men are 2-3 times more likely than women to overdose on opioids. 

These statistics reveal a desperate need for outreach and treatment so that individuals who are at risk of death from opioids can find the help they need and begin their journey back toward recovery and freedom. 

Finding recovery in North Carolina 

The first step to healing from drug addiction and being able to prevent overdose and further abuse is to get in touch with the right detox program providers. The benefits of drug detox are numerous, including: 

• Allowing the body time to detox so physical healing can manifest
• Moving from detox of the body to recovery of the mind to provide a holistic, whole-body healing 
• Working closely with you to find a personalized treatment plan so that your needs and goals are met and recovery can be in your control
• Regaining stability inside the home and in outside commitments including work and school responsibilities
• Offering support for the entire family so that recovery feels encouraged and fostered by the people who know you best
• Providing aftercare options so that recovery is long-lasting and relapse risk is reduced

Fortunately, service providers at Freedom Detox in North Carolina (located just outside of Charlotte) can provide all these benefits and more so that you can feel supported and successful in overcoming the challenges that detox and recovery entails. 

At Freedom Detox, we prioritize the safety and comfort of our clients.  We have a full team of physicians, psychiatrists, nurses and behavioral health technicians to keep you as comfortable as possible while providing them with 24/7 clinical support throughout their detox treatment. Not only that, but you are offered counseling services including individual and group, to provide you with the chance to reshape your thinking and restore balance in mind and body. 

Ready to begin?

If you are ready to begin your journey to recovery and desire to end habits linked to addiction and substance abuse, help is here for you. Reach out to our professional team at Freedom Detox by calling our offices anytime at 800-475-2312 or contact us online to learn more. 

We look forward to being a part of your journey towards health and healing.