National Addiction Treatment Week Is Oct 16-20

Addiction is treatable, and recovery is possible. That’s the main message of National Addiction Treatment Week Oct. 16 – 20. In North Carolina, a study of 2021 shows that 96% of all overdoses were unintentional. An average of 11 North Carolinians died each day in 2021 from an overdose.

“The numbers are heartbreaking and that’s why we need to focus on addiction treatment,” said Janeanne Gonzalez, Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Services Recovery Courts manager. “There is help and education available, we want to make sure the community understands this, for so many people, treatment is the only way to recovery.”

According to national statistics, one in five people over the age of 12 have used illicit drugs in their lifetime. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. 

 “A focus on addiction treatment is so important in this work,” added Sonya Harper, Criminal Justice Services director. “Mecklenburg County is committed to helping our residents recover from addiction. We hope this spotlight helps to reach more people who need the help.”