Drug Test - Asheville, NC

Asheville, North Carolina - Drug Testing

Notable Historical Events Related to Drug Use in Asheville, NC

In October 2022, an investigation in Asheville led to a chase and the arrest of a man on multiple drug charges. The twenty-three-year-old fled in his vehicle when officers attempted to make contact with him. Officers found that he was in the possession of over 400 pounds of marijuana products, $46,000, three rifles, and 10 handguns. He faced multiple charges that included reckless driving, carrying a concealed gun, possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking in marijuana by possession (Level II), felony flee to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, and maintain a dwelling for controlled substances.

Substance Abuse Trends and Statistics for the City of Asheville, NC and Buncombe County

Government Efforts to Address Drug Problems in Asheville, NC and Buncombe County

In 2019, Buncombe County began expanding its harm reduction efforts. The county provides syringe exchange programs run by local non-profits, distributing Narcan (naloxone) and fentanyl test strips, establishing the Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT), and improving access to medication-assisted treatment with multiple medical providers. The county's efforts aim to reduce the stigma around substance use disorder and provide education to residents and medical providers to reduce the number of opioids in Asheville and Buncombe County. Buncombe County will be receiving $16,175,039 over 17 years from an opioid settlement and has developed a committee to recommend how to use the money to help the opioid problem. According to the committee's statement, "Buncombe County is a community where substance use recovery is characterized by timely and coordinated holistic care centered in empathy, cultural responsiveness, and evidence-based methods from prevention to long-term recovery."

Last updated 1/17/2023