According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug addiction is a disease that affects almost 20 million Americans. And while it can affect anyone, there are certain locations that are more susceptible than others. If you’re considering moving to a new place, you may want to do some research on what that city has to offer as far as substance abuse goes.
In North Carolina, there is a town called Forest City that has the highest rates of both alcohol and drug addiction in the state. Whether this is due to its small size or something else entirely remains unclear, but if you are looking for a place with high levels of addictive substances, this might not be your first choice. Keep reading to learn more about the town with the highest rates of addiction in North Carolina.
What Is Causing the High Rates of Substance Abuse in Forest City?
Forest City is one of the smallest communities in North Carolina, with only a population of around 3,500 people. It’s right near the border of both Virginia and South Carolina, and is just a short drive away from Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city. Forest City is also the home to one of the state’s largest paper mills. As far as the cause of the high rates of substance abuse in Forest City, there are many different possibilities.
The most obvious cause is that living in a town with such high rates of addiction will, in turn, increase your chances of developing an addiction. But there could be a few other reasons behind the high rates of addiction in Forest City. The town’s large paper mill could be a big reason behind its high rates of addiction. Those who work in the paper mill are exposed to dangerous chemicals and substances on a daily basis. Over time, this can cause addiction.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction in Forest City
Beyond just having higher rates of addiction, Forest City also seems to have more problems with addiction than many other towns in North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Forest City has much higher rates of drug overdoses compared to the rest of the state.
The town has seen a significant increase in overdose deaths in recent years, which is extremely worrisome. overdoses are a huge public health issue, and Forest City shows no signs of slowing down. The percentage of Forest City residents with a substance abuse disorder is extremely high – 16.5% of adults have a problem with drugs or alcohol. This is the highest percentage in all of North Carolina, so it’s clear that Forest City is one of the most dangerous places in the state.
The Dangers of Living in a Community with High Rates of Addiction
As if the high rates of addiction weren’t enough, living in a community with high rates of addiction can also come with other health issues and safety concerns. For one thing, driving on the road in a place with such a high rate of addiction can be a bit dangerous. You never know who is driving under the influence.
There are also a number of infectious diseases that are typically found in areas with high rates of addiction. When people share needles to inject drugs, they run the risk of spreading diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. If you have been prescribed drugs like methadone or buprenorphine to help with an addiction, you could also come into contact with diseases like tuberculosis.
Conclusion
As you can see, living in a town with high rates of substance abuse can have many different consequences. Forest City, in particular, is a town that seems to struggle with addiction in many different forms, and has seen a large increase in drug overdoses in recent years.
If you are looking for a new place to live, you may want to avoid towns like Forest City. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, you don’t have to wait until it gets worse. There is help out there for you, and you can get it before things get out of control.
Asheville Recovery Center is Here
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent unhealthy behaviors and help those who are already struggling. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health, it is important to get treatment. At Asheville Recovery Center treatment specialists utilize a 12-step program and practice holistic rehabilitation.
Services at the center include:
partial hospitalization program – At Asheville Recovery Center we offer a partial hospitalization program for clients who need post-residential treatment as well as for clients who need primary treatment but are unable to enroll in inpatient programs. Our PHP track offers a variety of therapeutic services and benefits to individuals in early recovery from substance addiction.
Outpatient Rehabilitation – During intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), clients live at home or in a sober living residence while completing an addiction treatment program. IOP is a place where clients can process their experiences in twelve-step fellowships and support one another in those individual journeys.
Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call and speak with an addiction expert today.
