Drug overdose is the leading cause of death due to injury in the United States. Drug use affects relationships, employment, physical and mental health, and contributes to the spread of diseases. HNC 2030, p. 66
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are chronic or recurrent conditions that, like other chronic illnesses, require ongoing care and treatment for individuals to regain health and maintain recovery. As with any chronic disease, prevention, identification, treatment, and recovery services and supports are essential to ensuring positive health outcomes. Effective treatments for SUDs and underlying mental and physical health problems exist; however, access to services and supports for SUDs varies greatly across the state. HNC 2030 pp. 66-67
NC State Center for Health Statistics, Vital Statistics