Prescription Drug Abuse Programs in Durham

Prescription drug abuse has become a grave concern across the United States, and Durham, North Carolina, is no exception. Due to the growing problem, increased efforts are being made to monitor and decrease prescription drug abuse in the area.

According to a report by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, in 2018, there were 1,785 overdose deaths involving opioids in North Carolina—an increase from 1,407 deaths reported in 2017. Between 1999 to 2018, over 13,000 North Carolinians lost their lives due to opioid-related overdoses.

In response to this epidemic, several prescription drug abuse programs have been set up in Durham and across North Carolina to support those struggling with addiction.

1. Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers (TROSA): It is a multi-year residential program located in Durham that allows people struggling with substance abuse to recover at their pace. The unique aspect of this program is that it offers vocational training alongside therapy and counseling services.
2. Durham VA Health Care System: This program offers a specialized outpatient treatment for veterans struggling with prescription drug abuse, covering the range from detoxification to counseling and support groups.
3. Durham Treatment Center: A facility offering outpatient treatments like Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The center also offers individual and group counseling.
4. Alliance Health: With a robust set of resources including crisis services, outpatient therapy, community support, and a team of specialists, Alliance Health is prepared to support adult and pediatric patients struggling with mental health and substance abuse problems.
5. The North Carolina Division of Public Health: This division launched the North Carolina Safer Syringe Initiative in 2016, which helps reduce HIV, HCV, and overdose deaths by connecting individuals who abuse injectable prescription drugs with the care and treatment they need.
To deter the over-prescription and diversion of medicines, North Carolina instituted the Controlled Substances Reporting System (CSRS). This allows providers to view a patient's controlled substance history, aiming to reduce the number of people who misuse, abuse, or overdose while maintaining the patients' access to appropriate care.

The state has also launched the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA 2000) waiver training program, aiming to increase the number of physicians who can prescribe and dispense Buprenorphine for opioid addiction treatment in office settings, which significantly expands the reach of supportive services for anyone struggling with addiction.

Prescription drug abuse is a pervasive problem in modern society. However, through the combined efforts of numerous organizations and initiatives in Durham and North Carolina, the battle against substance abuse disorders continues with hope and determination.