By Gregory Yousey

Special to the Salisbury Post

Overwhelming evidence supporting North Carolina is in the middle of an opioid epidemic can be found with a simple Google search. For example, between 1999 and 2015, the number of deaths due to medication or drug overdose rose 350 percent. Additionally, between 2004 and 2014, the increase in newborn hospitalizations related to withdrawal from opiates rose 830 percent.

What many of us do not realize is just how close to home this problem is occurring.  Based on North Carolina County Health drug overdose mortality rates, Rowan County is tied for 13th for the highest mortality rate.   Additionally, this calendar year, the median number of referrals to the Rowan County Department of Social services related to delivering mother opiate use and/or newborn withdrawal is reported to be around 5 to 6 per month.

While it is easy to sit back and view this as problem affecting others, the truth is every one of us feels the ripple effects of this epidemic. As a director of clinics overseeing the substance abuse and mental health treatment of many families in Salisbury and the surrounding counties I have seen these repercussions first hand, but not all those individuals impacted by this epidemic are seen in clinical settings.  Children born from mothers struggling with addiction have lower birth rates and higher co-occurring health conditions. Similarly, children raised in homes of addiction are more likely to experience trauma, have lifelong health issues, and shorter lifespans.

These factors are directly related to the increases in behavior disorders related to this trauma being dealt with by professionals in all settings, including health clinics, daycares, school systems and the juvenile justice system. The impacts are so widespread, it is likely our own kids interact with children impacted by drug use on a regular basis.

So, what do we do about it?  How can we help? The first step is to acknowledge this problem can and does affect all of us in some way. Thus, it is imperative all of us be aware of the treatment needs of those directly and indirectly affected by the disease. You cannot treat the child for trauma symptoms if you do not also treat the root cause of the trauma, namely the ongoing drug use within the home. You cannot treat the drug addiction without addressing the underlying causes for the addiction. You cannot simply refer to services and expect people to immediately get better. Some experts report as many as 90 percent of those referred for drug treatment will relapse. Although this is often related to the nature of the disease, it is also sometimes related to receiving inadequate services to meet their needs or failure to address all their needs concurrently.

Rowan County has several different treatment options for those struggling with addiction as well as services to meet the needs of their families. These treatment options include, but are not limited to, AA/NA 12-step programs, outpatient mental health and drug treatment counseling, Methadone clinics, Suboxone clinics, intensive outpatient substance abuse clinics, peer supports and detox centers. Additionally, specialized Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapists can be found to treat the indepth trauma kids have experienced related to family drug use. Although it is sometimes difficult to find good treatment providers, Cardinal Innovations can provide a list of substance use and mental health providers for Medicaid consumers. Also, adults dealing with opiate addiction can find treatment providers prescribing Suboxone on the Suboxone.com website.  Regardless of the cause, educated referrers coupled with good and appropriate treatment must be part of the solution.

Gregory Yousey is director of clinical services, Nazareth Child and Family Connection.