Substance Use and Its Impact on Surry County Families
- C. Jamie Edwards
- Apr 30
- 1 min read
This survey was developed not only to gather data, but to create space for families to share their stories — the real, lived experiences that too often go unseen or unheard. Behind every statistic in this report is a family that has waited anxiously for a phone call, navigated a
confusing and fragmented treatment system, or stepped in to care for children when parents were unable to do so. Their willingness to be honest about their struggles and needs is an invaluable gift to this community, and their voices must guide how we respond to the growing crisis of substance use in Surry County.
The findings of this survey paint a clear picture of the challenges families face — from limited access to treatment and recovery resources, to the stigma that surrounds addiction, to the emotional toll of loving someone caught in the cycle of substance use. Families told us that they need more than information; they need real support. They need clear pathways to services, practical education on how to support their loved one without losing themselves, and a community that recognizes SUD as a health condition rather than a moral failing.