National data shows that Vermont has one of the highest percentages of illegal drug use in the country. The illegal drugs these data examines are:
- Cocaine (including crack)
- Heroin
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Methamphetamine
- Nonmedical use of prescription-type pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives
Using illegal drugs can cause harm in a person’s life after only one use, or “experimenting”. In other cases, harm can be caused after a long period of use and high dose use. Diseases like stroke and cancer can be influenced by drug use, making it easier for Vermonters to get sick if they use drugs. The cost of managing the impact of substance use in America is estimated to cost more than $600 billion each year.
It is important to look at the reasons why more Vermonters are using illegal drugs than citizens in most other states. The Department of Health is monitoring how our efforts are making a positive difference with illegal drug use, especially among young people in Vermont.
Treatment is Available
If you or someone you know needs help with drugs – treatment is available! Treatment is effective and people can recover.
To learn about treatment options, how to reach out to a counselor, and answers to common treatment and recovery questions, call 2-1-1 from anywhere in Vermont, 24/7 or visit Vermont211.org.
Talking With Your Kids
It’s never too early to start a conversation with your kids about drugs and alcohol. When young people have supportive adults in their lives, they are much less likely to use drugs. Open, honest conversations are the best way to influence their behavior.
Here are some tips!
- Start the conversation early to get ahead of the conversation.
- Be clear, direct, and specific.
- Have an ongoing, two-way dialogue.
- Focus on their goals and explain how drugs can get in the way.
- Stay positive.
For more tips, information on the risks of use, or if you are concerned that your child is using drugs, call 2-1-1 from anywhere in Vermont, 24/7 or visit Vermont211.org and visit ParentUpVT.org.
For more information visit:
- Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
- Vermont Alcohol and Drug Abuse Clearinghouse (VADIC)
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for Teens
Data and Related Resources
Data and Reports: Information on opioid and other drug misuse, abuse, and dependence in Vermont.
How We Are Doing: Learn more about goals and outcomes being tracked in Vermont.