From 2000-2022, more than 36,000 North Carolinians lost their lives to drug overdose. Additionally, from 2020-2021 there was a 12% increase in emergency department visits related to drug overdoses across North Carolina. Both overdose deaths and the increase in rates disproportionally affect historically marginalized populations. 2022 NC SHIP, pg. 66. In Brunswick County, the rate of medication and drug overdose deaths, all intents (31.0) and opioid overdose deaths, all intents(27.0), all outpace the statewide rates. 

This epidemic is devastating families and communities. It is overwhelming medical providers and is straining prevention and treatment efforts. 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 support are essential to ensuring positive health outcomes.