The Mountain State charms its residents and its visitors with its lush landscapes. Its rolling hills and mountains play host to hunting, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, skiing, backpacking, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. There are also many historical attractions, like Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and Grave Creek Archaeological Complex. And, business and industry thrive.
Unfortunately, a high rate of joblessness coupled with a larger than average number of jobs relying on heavy physical labor has led many of the state’s citizens into addiction. West Virginia has one of the highest prescriptions rates of opiates in the country, driven by a population that needs to treat the pain and injury miners, loggers, and manufacturers endure. And, though the opiate epidemic is the primary addiction in the state, others pose issues as well.