Statistical Data on Drugs in North Carolina
North Carolina, like many states, faces significant challenges with substance abuse, particularly related to opioids, alcohol, and methamphetamine. This report summarizes key statistics on drug and alcohol use, overdose deaths, and related impacts across the state.
Drug Use and Overdose Statistics
- 12.79% of North Carolina residents (approximately 1.3 million people) use illegal drugs annually
- 3.57% of residents (371,000 people) abuse alcohol annually
- 10% of all deaths in North Carolina between 2008 and 2017 were caused by drugs and alcohol
- 3,454 overdose deaths occurred in 2020, a 32.6% increase from 2019
- 95% of overdose deaths in 2020 were reported as accidental
- 82% of drug overdose deaths involved illicit drugs and prescription opioids
- Overdose deaths increased by 37% from April 2020 to April 2021
- Over 10,000 North Carolinians have died from drug overdoses since 2017
The sharp rise in overdose deaths, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicates an escalating crisis that requires urgent attention and
The Most Commonly Abused Drugs in North Carolina
- Marijuana
- Approximately 20,000 marijuana-related arrests per year statewide
- Cocaine
- About 8,000 people are admitted to drug treatment centers annually for cocaine use.
- Associated with the highest number of accidental poisoning deaths among illegal drugs
- Heroin
- Plays a significant role in the opioid epidemic
- Methamphetamine
- Significant rise in meth lab seizures in recent years
- Prescription Drugs
- Prevalence is expected to increase in the coming years due to the ease of availability.
This list highlights the diverse range of substance abuse issues facing North Carolina, from illicit drugs to prescription medication misuse.
Methamphetamine Statistics
- 127 methamphetamine laboratory incidents occurred in 2018
- North Carolina ranked in the top 10 states for methamphetamine lab incidents
- Methamphetamine lab seizures increased 32% from 2007 (153 incidents) to 2009 (202 incidents)
The increase in meth lab incidents indicates a persistent problem with local production, requiring continued law enforcement focus and community education on the dangers of meth manufacturing.
Opioid-Specific Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
| Opioid-involved Overdose Deaths in 2018 | 79% (1,783 fatalities) |
| Opioid Prescriptions per 100 Persons (2018) | 61.5 |
| North Carolina Cities in the Top 25 Nationally for Opioid Abuse Rates | Wilmington, Hickory, Jacksonville, Fayetteville |
| Highest Opioid Abuse Rate in the Country | Wilmington (11.6%) |
| Opioid Prescriptions Written in North Carolina (2015) | 8.7 million |
The high rate of opioid prescriptions and concentration of abuse in certain cities suggests a need for more stringent prescribing practices and targeted intervention efforts in hotspot areas.
Youth Substance Use
In the U.S., 8.14% of youth aged 12-17 reported drug use in the past month.
- 65,000 youth in this age group have used drugs in the U.S.
- 83.08% of those reported using marijuana.
- 9.15% of youth reported alcohol use in the past month.
- Binge drinking was observed in 5.7% of 7th graders and 12.4% of 8th graders.
- The average age of first alcohol use is 14 or younger.
- In North Carolina, 8.2% of youth aged 12-17 reported illicit drug use, including marijuana.
- North Carolina ranks 26th nationally in youth drug use.
The data shows concerning rates of substance use among youth, particularly for marijuana and alcohol. Early intervention and education programs targeting middle school students may be crucial for prevention.
Treatment and Impact Statistics
- 40,000 people in North Carolina were admitted for substance use disorders in 2015
- 52 counties lack access to opioid addiction treatment centers
- 65% of rural North Carolina lacks access to addiction treatment
- 46.5% of adults report their life has been negatively affected by substance abuse (self or someone else)
- Groups most affected by substance abuse:
- Adults aged 18-39 years (54%)
- Very low income (57%) or mid/high income (48%)
- Those identifying as American Indian/Alaska Native, Indigenous (62%)
The lack of treatment access, particularly in rural areas, is a significant barrier to addressing the substance abuse crisis. The disproportionate impact on certain demographic groups highlights the need for targeted, culturally appropriate interventions.
Substance Use as a Key Health Issue in Western North Carolina
| Statistic | Details |
| Adults Reporting Negative Impact | 46.5% of adults report their life has been negatively affected by substance abuse |
| Definition of Substance Use | The use of selected substances, including alcohol, tobacco, drugs, inhalants, and others |
| Potential Effects | Possible dependence and other detrimental effects |
The high percentage of adults affected by substance abuse in Western North Carolina underscores the widespread impact of this issue on communities in the region.
Statistical Data on Alcohol in North Carolina
In 2018, 27% of drinking adults in North Carolina reported binge drinking
- 48% of North Carolina residents in 2018 reported having at least one drink in the last 30 days.
- 12% of adult drinkers in North Carolina reported heavy drinking in the last 30 days.
- In 2019, 49% of high school drinkers engaged in binge drinking within the last 30 days.
- Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is one of the most common addictions in the state.
- Alcohol abuse is the third leading preventable cause of death in North Carolina.
Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) Due to Alcohol Abuse
- Each year, alcohol abuse results in the loss of 115,831 years of potential life in North Carolina.
Binge Drinking Population
- 1,307,000 individuals engage in binge drinking in North Carolina annually.
These statistics reveal a troubling trend of binge and heavy drinking among adults and high school students. The high prevalence of AUD and its impact on preventable deaths underscores the urgent need for expanded alcohol addiction treatment and prevention programs.
Frequency and Volume of Alcohol Consumption
| Statistic | Value |
| Percentage of adults consuming alcohol at least once a month | 15.8% |
| Average number of drinks per drinking session | 5.4 drinks |
| Average number of drinking sessions per month | 4.6 times |
In North Carolina, 15.8% of adults drink alcohol at least once a month. On average, they consume 5.4 drinks per session and drink 4.6 times per month. This data highlights the typical frequency and volume of alcohol consumption among the state’s adult population.
Drunk Driving Fatalities in North Carolina
- 421 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2018
- 38 fatalities involved drivers under the age of 21
The involvement of underage drivers in a significant number of alcohol-related fatalities highlights the ongoing issue of underage drinking and driving.
Alcohol-Related Health and Public Health Impacts in North Carolina
These statistics highlight the extensive health and social impacts of alcohol abuse in North Carolina, from contributing to suicides and homicides to the heavy economic burden. Alcohol misuse affects not just individuals but also society as a whole, making it a major public health concern.
Alcohol-Related Diseases
Common alcohol-related diseases include:
- Liver Cirrhosis (often associated with long-term alcohol abuse).
- Liver Disease.
Sources:
- Alcohol Addiction & Drug Rehab Centers in North Carolina | Help.org
- NC Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics 2021 – The Blanchard Institute
- North Carolina Substance Abuse Statistics | Lakeview Health
- Teenage Drug Use Statistics [2023]: Data & Trends on Abuse
- https://www.wnchn.org/wnc-data/substance-misuse-2022/
- Alcohol Abuse Facts and Statistics – Alcohol Rehab in North Carolina
- Alcohol Statistics in North Carolina