North Carolina

The drug epidemic in North Carolina, specifically in cities like Fayetteville and Raleigh, has worsened in recent years, heavily driven by fentanyl and methamphetamine. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has infiltrated not only opioids but also other illicit drugs like meth, making overdoses even more likely. State reports indicate that around 77% of overdose deaths in North Carolina involved fentanyl in 2021, with the Raleigh and Fayetteville areas being significant hotspots due to the high availability of this potent substance. Fayetteville, being close to military communities, sees additional challenges due to transient populations and socio-economic pressures that can increase substance misuse.

To combat this, North Carolina has ramped up its public health initiatives, including distributing over 700,000 units of naloxone and making fentanyl test strips available for at-risk individuals. The NC Department of Health and Human Services has also expanded mobile crisis response teams and supports like Medicaid coverage for substance use treatment. Additionally, factors like the mental health crisis, worsened by COVID-19, continue to fuel substance abuse rates, particularly among marginalized groups who struggle with access to care and resources.

These interventions aim to address the epidemic’s root causes while preventing further overdose deaths across the state. However, the situation remains challenging, with fentanyl-related overdose deaths still on the rise.