Substance Abuse Statistics in Roanoke, VA
The following statistics for Roanoke, VA and its surrounding Roanoke County demonstrate the challenges of alcohol and drug abuse faced by residents in this area:4,5,6,7,8,9
There were more than 50 fatal overdoses in Roanoke County in 2019.
Drug overdoses in Roanoke rose 25% between 2019 and 2020.
Deaths due to methamphetamines increased by 57% between 2020 and 2021.
Roanoke Fire-EMS services reported 639 overdoses in 2020.
17-20% of Roanoke County residents engage in binge drinking.
20% of Roanoke residents report they use mental health, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse services.
In 2021, the rate of emergency department visits for overdoses was 108.9 per 100,000 visits.
9,521 people in Roanoke were dependent on or abusing drugs in Roanoke in 2016.
Local Information for Roanoke: Getting There and Getting Around
Nestled among the Blue Ridge Mounts of southwest Virginia, Roanoke, is known as the “Star City of the South.” This nickname stems from the landmark Roanoke Star, a neon star that is perched above the city on the summit of Mill Mountain. Constructed in 1949, it’s the world’s largest freestanding, man-made illuminated star.
But this bright spot isn’t all the city of Roanoke, VA is known for. Roanoke features a vibrant downtown, and the scenic Roanoke River runs through the city. Nearby are the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and wine vineyards.
The city is also the regional center for transportation-related manufacturing as well as health services. As the largest metro area in western Virginia, Roanoke has become a hub for retail business and healthcare for the region.
Get the inside scoop before you go. If you will be traveling to Roanoke, VA for substance use treatment or visiting someone in treatment, use the following tips to guide your travel plans.
- The closest airport is Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, which offers connections to national and international destinations.
- The Valley Metro serves the area with bus transportation options.
- Roanoke offers many lodging options, including modern hotels, motels, and charming bed and breakfasts.
- Roanoke is known as one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor adventures.
- Popular activities in Roanoke include hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and cycling.
- Roanoke offers art and culture experiences with many museums, galleries, and boutiques.
- Top sightseeing destinations in Roanoke include the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, the Virginia Transportation Museum, and the Historic City Market.
- Day-trip ideas from Roanoke include the Blue Ridge Mountains, Salem, VA, Charlotte, NC, and Shenandoah Valley, VA.
- The crime rate in Roanoke is 36.67 per 1,000 residents per year.
- Locals consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest area in Roanoke.
Resources
- Capodanno, K. (2021, May 19). Roanoke business owners frustrated with drug use, vandalism. WDBJ. https://www.wdbj7.com/2021/05/19/roanoke-business-owners-frustrated-with-drug-use-vandalism/
- Jadhon, J. (2022, March 31). Fralin Biomedical Research Institute receives $3.5 million grant to study alcoholism recovery. WDBJ. https://www.wdbj7.com/2022/03/31/fralin-biomedical-research-institute-receives-35-million-grant-study-alcoholism-recovery/
- Scachetti, L. (2022, August 31). Virginia’s Harm Reduction Coalition reports hundreds of overdose reversals. NBC 29. https://www.nbc29.com/2022/08/31/virginias-harm-reduction-coalition-reports-hundreds-overdose-reversals/
- (2020, December 11). WFXRtv. WFXRtv. https://www.wfxrtv.com/news/local-news/roanoke-valley-news/overdoses-nearly-double-in-roanoke-county-for-2020/
- Jewell, J. (2021, April 21). Drug overdoses surge in Roanoke amid COVID-19 pandemic. WSLS 10. https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2021/04/20/drug-overdoses-surge-in-roanoke-amid-covid-19-pandemic/
- 540-981-3319, A. P. [email protected] (2021, August 1). As overdose deaths reach record levels in Virginia, meth is seen as a growing threat. Roanoke Times. https://roanoke.com/news/local/as-overdose-deaths-reach-record-levels-in-virginia-meth-is-seen-as-a-growing-threat/article_b25a65bc-f138-11eb-8d27-dbc21b6302f5.html
- Carilion Clinic. (2021). Roanoke Valley community health assessment – Final report. Issuu. https://issuu.com/carilionclinic/docs/2021_cmc_cha_report_final
- Virginia Department of Health. (2019, August 15). Overdose deaths. Opioid Data. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/opioid-data/deaths/
- 4+ alcohol and drug rehabs in Roanoke, Virginia. (n.d.). RehabNow.Org. Retrieved October 21, 2022, from https://rehabnow.org/in/virginia/roanoke/