CHARLOTTE, N.C. — According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, over 37 million Americans 12 and older were considered current users of illegal drugs as of 2020.
That impact is felt in the Carolinas. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shared statistics from 2021 indicating 4,041 people in North Carolina died due to an overdose that year -- the highest in a single year in state record. In South Carolina, there were 2,168 overdose deaths reported from 2020 to 2021.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine describes addiction as "a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences."
Help is available for people facing addiction.
National resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Drug Abuse Hotline)
Phone: 1-800-662-4357
24-hour listening line and referral source for individuals who use illicit drugs.
Online treatment locator: findtreatment.gov
Phone: 877-841-5225
Alcohol Help describes itself as an "informational resource geared towards reducing the harm caused by alcohol."
Phone:1-888-892-1840
Substance abuse education, assessments and referrals along with information on ways to find help when someone you love is struggling with addiction.
Charlotte/Mecklenburg County resources
Address: 1427 South Blvd., Suite 106, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-332-4387
24-hour listening line and referral source for individuals who struggle with alcohol addiction.
Main campus address: 100 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
Main campus phone: 704-376-7447
Detox and Residential Treatment address: 429 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
Detox and Residential Treatment phone: 704-445-6900
Anuvia, a nonprofit rehabilitation center in Charlotte, has been providing services and resources to the area since 1958. Its website provides options for prevention resources, assessment, court services, detox resources, outpatient treatment and residential treatment.
Office phone: 704-375-3784 ext. 4664
Cell phone (text preferred): 980-395-2199
QCHR aims to "offer life-saving supplies and empower people directly impacted through connection, education, and linkage to a variety healthcare options and social resources."
Gaston County
Address: 549 Cox Road Gastonia, NC 28054
Phone: 704-865-1558
The center offers treatment programs, resources and rehabilitation for drug users.
Iredell County
The Iredell County Government has compiled a list of resources local to the county.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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