The Link Between Gaston County Drug Abuse & Divorce

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Approximately 1,110 people in North Carolina died from an opioid overdose in 2015, a 73% increase from the 642 deaths in 2005. This problem hits home when we find out that in Gaston County, 30 people died from misusing opioids.* Our county also had the 4th highest number of heroin overdoses and the highest number of prescription opioid overdoses in the state.**

Local drug abuse is on the rise. According to the 2015 Community Health Survey of Gaston County, 24.8% of residents responded that they use illicit drugs. The State Bureau of Investigation also revealed that Gaston County has the 6th highest number of meth lab busts in 2013.

This epidemic has led client after client into our office explaining how prescription pain medication and illegal drugs — whether opioids or other types — have affected their family. Most often these clients come seeking a custody order, but some have separated or are thinking about separating due to drug abuse.

Are you concerned about how to handle your custody, separation or divorce when drug abuse is involved?

Consult an attorney. This is not an uncommon issue and we’re here to help.

**May 16, 2017 press release from Governor Roy Cooper’s office.

**Injury and Violence Prevention Branch of the NC Department of Health and Human Services