Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs
Welcome to the Vermont Department of Health
Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs (ADAP)
Our mission is to help Vermonters prevent and eliminate the problems caused by alcohol and other drug use.
Working in partnership with state and national public and private organizations, ADAP plans, supports, and evaluates a comprehensive system of services.
See our 2012-2017 Goals and Strategic Plan.
Contact ADAP: Tel. 802-651-1550 or Email AHS.VDHADAP@state.vt.us
In the Spotlight
049: Zero Alcohol for Nine Months
Alcohol can affect a baby’s development in the very first weeks, even before you know you're pregnant. Prenatal alcohol exposure can result in birth defects that can affect a child's growth, appearance, cognitive development and behavior — and it's 100% preventable.
Here's what women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or may become pregnant need to know about drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
049: Zero Alcohol for Nine Months
Unified Pain Management System Advisory Council
With increasing problems stemming from prescription drug misuse and abuse, the
Unified Pain Management System Advisory Council was created to advise the Commissioner of Health
on matters relating to the appropriate use of controlled substances in the treatment of chronic, noncancer
pain and addiction, and in preventing prescription drug abuse.
Advisory Council Report and Recommendations (02/25/13) 
Synthetic Drugs and Bath Salts
Synthetic drugs such as Bath Salts are powerful, addictive, and dangerous stimulants. Vermonters and retailers will find the information they need, including fact sheets, rules & regulations, and additional resources, to help stop the sale and use of these highly dangerous drugs.
Synthetic Drugs and Bath Salts
"Hub/Spoke" Initiative — Phase 1: Opiate Dependence
Integrated Treatment Continuum for Substance Abuse Dependence
The Agency of Human Services is collaborating with community providers to create a coordinated, systemic
response to the complex issues of opiate and other addictions in Vermont.
This initiative creates a framework for integrating treatment services for substance abuse issues and co-occurring mental health disorders.
"Hub/Spoke" Initiative - Phase 1
Prescription Drug Abuse Workgroup Report
The Prescription Drug Abuse Workgroup was convened to outline a statewide approach to actively address the mounting problem of prescription drug abuse in Vermont. The workgroup focused on four areas: education and community prevention/treatment, monitoring, disposal, and law enforcement.
Prescription Drug Abuse Workgroup Final Report
- News Release: Prescription Drug Abuse Workgroup Issues Report
- Vermont State Police Drug Diversion Unit
Alcohol Awareness
Underage drinking carries heavy risks for children and parents.
Learn the scope of this problem, the steps you can take to help reduce underage drinking, and what you can do if you know or suspect that your child is drinking and where you can go for help.
Visit our Alcohol Awareness & Support pages for information and to learn more about the concerns Vermonters have about alcohol.
Underage Drinking | Prevention Works
Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment
- NIDA Website on Drug Abuse
Information on drug abuse and prevention in a new design with features that make it easy to read and use. - Methamphetamine Prevention
- Marijuana Use in Vermont
Information and resources on prevalence of use, treatment, and the health effects of marijuana use. - Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse
Information about drug abuse prevention, treatment and monitoring, & how to safely dispose of medicines. - Screening for Substance Abuse During Pregnancy
- Vermont Prescription Monitoring System
Information and system access for pharmacists and physicians
Community-based Prevention Grantees
In FY12, in partnership with the Division of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HPDP), ADAP is funding 16 community-based coalitions/partnerships to support the continuation of at least one evidence-based substance abuse prevention strategy, already underway, Healthy Retailers Initiative and obesity prevention programs.
In FY13, the Vermont Department of Health intends to create consolidated regional grants that support public health interventions addressing nutrition and physical activity, alcohol and drug prevention, tobacco control and chronic disease prevention. This work aligns with the VDH 2010-2012 Strategic Plan goals for effective and integrated public health programs and communities with the capacity to respond to public health issues.
Vermont's Strategic Prevention Framework Initiative
Vermont Strategic Prevention Framework Initiative - The Vermont Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) State Incentive Grant (SIG) is a public health, outcomes-based prevention approach that uses assessment and evaluation to help communities meet their goals of reducing substance abuse and its consequences.
SPF SIG is a federally funded cooperative agreement with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and the State of Vermont.
Youth Suicide Prevention
The Center for Health & Learning has launched a youth suicide prevention website.
Everybody needs help sometimes. Help comes from friends, family, people nearby and even from yourself.
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are worried about someone else, don't keep it to yourself. Don't wait for a crisis to ask for help.
You Matter. You can get help.
VT Suicide Prevention: Dial 211 (in Vt) or 1.800.273.8255
Blueprint for the States
Blueprint for the States
State governments bear the financial burden of the consequences of drugs and alcohol in our nation. This national policy panel addresses the realities of state governments paying dearly for the nation’s failure to effectively prevent and treat alcohol and drug problems.