From the NC Division of Public Health

Of all unintentional poisoning deaths, 90% were drug/medication-related overdose deaths.

From 2002-2011, the rate of unintentional poisoning deaths was 12.5 deaths  per 100,000 residents.

In the 10-year period from 2002 to 2011, 164 deaths  were due to poisoning. Of these, 125 (76%)  were unintentional poisonings.

Opioid analgesics (methadone, other opioids, synthetic narcotics) were the top three contributors.