Alcohol/Drug Use

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.

Data briefs, reports and other publications on alcohol and drug use topics.

For Immediate Release: May 19, 2025 Media Contact: Kyle Casteel – Media Lead Communication Office │ Department of Health 802-863-7280 │ [email protected] Deaths from Opioid Overdose Declined Significantly in 2024 Data Shows First Sustained Annual Decrease in Opioid Overdose Deaths...

For Immediate Release: July 23, 2024 Media Contact: Communication Office │ Department of Health 802-863-7280 │ [email protected] Do Not Use, Buy or Sell Diamond Shruumz Microdose Mushroom Products FDA and CDC investigating dozens of serious illnesses. None in Vermont. WATERBURY...

Supporting strong family connections has helped to reduce alcohol and cannabis use among youth in Vermont. Family programs promote healthy family relationships and strengthen parenting skills to help prevent and address youth alcohol or other drug use.

Vermonters aged 18-25 have among the highest heroin use rates in the country. Most people who use heroin have misused prescription pain relievers.

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.

For Immediate Release: May 7, 2024 Media Contact:   Ben Truman │ Department of Health  802-316-2117 │ 802-863-7281  [email protected] New Vermont Data Shows First Decrease in Opioid Overdose Deaths Since 2019 Officials say programs and harm reduction efforts are bending the...

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.