Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics in Asheville, NC
The following statistics reveal substance abuse and overdose rates in Asheville:2,3,4,5
The Buncombe County Sherriff’s Office reported a record-high 81 fentanyl trafficking charges in 2021.
In 2021, the Buncombe County Anti-Crime Task Force seized a record total of methamphetamine and opioids.
606 community Naloxone reversals were reported in Buncombe during 2018.
In 2018, there were 265 opioid overdose ED visits in Buncombe County.
Buncombe County saw a 5% decrease in overdose deaths in 2020.
In 2018, there were 265 opioid overdose ED visits in Buncombe County.
Overdose emergency department visits decreased by 7% in 2021.
Traveling to and Within Asheville, NC
Nestled between the Great Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, NC offers an abundance of adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers, bicyclists, and paddlers head here to take in the gorgeous nature settings. A vibrant downtown also draws locals and visitors to antique ships, a lively arts scene, and popular breweries. And the luxurious Biltmore Estate, a world-renowned architectural masterpiece, is by far the city’s biggest attraction.
For those traveling to Asheville, NC for rehabilitation treatment or to visit someone in treatment, here are a few helpful tips about the area.
- The Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is just 15 minutes south of downtown and offers many direct-flight options.
- Asheville’s airport is served by major rental car companies, taxis, shuttles, and public transit options.
- Alternatives to Asheville Regional Airport include Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (1.25 hours away) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (2 hours away).
- Asheville has a Greyhound bus station five minutes from downtown, with one-way or roundtrip tickets available from many cities across the U.S.
- The Asheville Visitor Center near downtown is open seven days a week and offers maps and local information.
- Both Uber and Lyft operate in Asheville, and offer convenient rides for airport travel or to stops around town.
- Downtown Asheville is very walkable, with many shops and restaurants to explore.
- Trolley and segway tours are great ways to experience Asheville and get to know the city.
Resources
- Patel, A. (2022, May 31). Polysubstance use rising in the mountains, particularly involving methamphetamine. WLOS. https://wlos.com/news/local/polysubstance-use-methamphetamine-asheville-buncombe-henderson-haywood-counties-wnc-western-north-carolina
- James, A. (2021, November 18). Amid 28.5% increase in overdose deaths in U.S., Buncombe County reports 5% decrease. WLOS. https://wlos.com/news/local/amid-285-increase-in-overdose-deaths-in-us-buncombe-county-reports-5-decrease
- Staff, S. N. (2022, January 25). “Poison”: Mountain county reports record number of fentanyl trafficking cases. Spectrum News 1 Charlotte. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2022/01/25/buncombe-co–reports-record-number-of-drug-trafficking-cases
- Opioid addiction symptoms & treatment – Buncombe County. (n.d.). Asheville, NC. Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/hhs/initiatives/closer.aspx
- Jones, A. (2022, April 18). Buncombe 2020 overdose death rate among NC’s highest. An incoming $16M is supposed to help. Asheville Citizen Times. https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2022/04/18/buncombe-county-nc-2020-overdose-deaths-highest-percentile/7330251001/
