In 2020, on average 9 people in North Carolina died every day of a drug overdose.
Gaston County is fighting the opioid epidemic with the help of the Gaston Controlled Substances Coalition. Recognizing our county’s opioid epidemic cannot be solved by any single organization, the Coalition provides a hub where agencies and residents work together to develop and deliver solutions to opioid use disorder. Learn more.
Prescribed opioids are mainly used to help people feel less pain after surgery or accidents. The path to addiction often begins when people take these medications as prescribed. For others, the “high” and “calm” opioids provide help them deal with painful emotional and traumatic experiences from their childhoods.
Opioid use disorder is a chronic brain disease that changes behavior. Addiction is when your mind and body tell you to take opioids, even if you don’t have a medical reason to take them and despite knowing the possible harmful consequences.
Recovery is possible and looks different for each individual. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we can connect you to local and national resources.
HOW DO I FIND HELP?
Take steps to care for yourself and help protect others in your home and community. Learn more below.