Asheville and Buncombe County are known for their natural beauty, vibrant culture and strong sense of community. At the same time, like many areas across North Carolina, the region continues to face serious challenges related to substance use. Understanding local trends helps individuals, families and communities recognize risk earlier and respond with compassion and support.

At Silver Ridge, serving Asheville and Western North Carolina, we see how local factors, seasonal stress and broader drug supply changes influence substance use patterns.

Why Local Substance Use Trends Matter

Substance use does not exist in a vacuum. It is shaped by access, environment, stress levels and community dynamics. In Buncombe County, a mix of urban and rural settings, tourism, service-industry work and periods of isolation can all influence how and why people use substances.

Recognizing what substances are most commonly misused in the area helps people better understand warning signs and know when it may be time to seek help.

Alcohol Use in Asheville and Buncombe County

Alcohol remains one of the most commonly misused substances in Asheville. The city’s strong hospitality, tourism and service industries can normalize frequent drinking and blur the line between social use and dependence.

Local patterns often include:

• Daily or near-daily drinking becoming routine
• Binge drinking tied to stress or irregular work schedules
• Using alcohol to cope with anxiety, depression or burnout

Because alcohol is legal and socially accepted, many people delay recognizing when it has become a problem. Over time, this can lead to physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms and increased health risks.

Opioids and Fentanyl in Western North Carolina

Opioids continue to be a major concern in Buncombe County. While prescription opioid misuse remains an issue, illicit opioids, especially fentanyl, have dramatically increased overdose risk.

Fentanyl is often mixed into other substances without a person’s knowledge, which has led to accidental overdoses among people who did not intend to use opioids at all. This unpredictability makes opioid use particularly dangerous in the current drug supply.

People in Asheville frequently search for information related to:

• Opioid withdrawal and detox
• Fentanyl exposure and overdose risk
• Safe treatment options close to home
• Polysubstance Use Is Increasing

One of the most concerning trends in Asheville and Buncombe County is polysubstance use, meaning the use of more than one substance at the same time. Common combinations include alcohol with opioids, benzodiazepines or stimulants.

Polysubstance use significantly increases overdose risk and complicates withdrawal. It is also one of the strongest indicators that medical detox and structured treatment may be needed.

Benzodiazepines and Prescription Sedatives

Prescription medications such as benzodiazepines are frequently misused in western North Carolina, often alongside alcohol or opioids. These medications are commonly prescribed for anxiety or sleep issues, which can worsen during periods of stress or seasonal depression.

Stopping benzodiazepines suddenly can be dangerous, making medical supervision especially important when dependence develops.

Stimulants and Coping With Stress

Stimulants, including cocaine and prescription stimulants, are also present in the Asheville area. Some people turn to stimulants to cope with fatigue, low mood or demanding work schedules.

Stimulant use can increase anxiety, disrupt sleep and lead to cycles of crashes and cravings that are difficult to manage without support.

Marijuana and Edibles

Marijuana use is common in Asheville and is often viewed as low risk. However, increased potency and frequent use can contribute to anxiety, mood changes, motivation issues and dependency for some individuals.

People often seek help when marijuana use begins interfering with mental health, work or relationships.

Seasonal and Environmental Factors

Seasonal changes in Asheville can also influence substance use. Long periods of rain, winter isolation and shorter daylight hours can worsen depression and anxiety, increasing the urge to self-medicate.

Natural disasters and major stressors, such as severe storms or flooding in Western North Carolina, can further disrupt routines and access to support, increasing vulnerability to substance use and relapse.

When Substance Use Becomes a Health Concern

Substance use becomes a concern when it begins to affect physical health, mental well-being, relationships or daily functioning. Warning signs may include:

• Needing substances to feel normal
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
• Using more than intended or longer than planned
• Difficulty stopping despite negative consequences
• Increased secrecy or isolation

Seeking help early can prevent more serious complications and make recovery more manageable.

Treatment and Support in Asheville

Asheville and Buncombe County have a growing need for accessible, compassionate addiction treatment. Detox and residential care provide medical support, structure and therapy to help individuals stabilize and begin recovery safely.

At Silver Ridge, we understand the unique challenges faced by individuals and families in western North Carolina. Our team offers support for those struggling with alcohol, opioids, polysubstance use and co-occurring mental health concerns.

Moving Forward as a Community

Substance use trends reflect broader community stressors, not personal failure. Education, early intervention and access to treatment all play a role in reducing harm and supporting long-term recovery.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use in Asheville or Buncombe County, help is available. Reaching out can be the first step toward stability, healing and a healthier future.