Alcohol/Drug Use

Addressing opioid overdose takes a comprehensive and holistic approach Opioids – such as prescription painkillers and heroin – are powerful drugs that are highly addictive. Opioids slow breathing and heartbeat, and act on the brain to relieve pain. They can...

Learn about opioid overdose including the signs of an overdose, what to do to save a life and the six steps you can take to prevent overdose.

Stimulants like cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription stimulants can be addictive and dangerous.

Information on opioid prescribing and medication for opioid use disorder.

Information for health professionals to help their patients with issues related to alcohol and other drugs.

Substance misuse in Vermonters age 65 and older is increasing. Be aware of unhealthy substance use, identify risks, and find treatment and recovery services.

Prescription opioids can be addictive and dangerous. It only takes a little to lose a lot.

In an overdose, opioids can slow breathing to the point of death. To save lives, the Health Department gives out a medication called naloxone (brand name Narcan®) that can reverse an overdose.

Vermonters have higher drinking rates than the country overall. People who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at 21. What are unhealthy drinking habits?

Vermonters have higher cannabis use rates than the country overall. Early and continuous use of cannabis can affect brain development. Learn more about cannabis use in Vermont.