prevent alcohol/drug abuse

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

Most people who misuse prescription medications get them from friends or family – often straight out of the medicine cabinet. Find out how to properly store and get rid of prescription medications.

Here is information on Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment, the Vermont Prescription Monitoring System, and the opioid prescribing rule, which went into effect July 1, 2017.

The Health Department works with law enforcement, health care, youth-serving organizations, schools and communities to reduce risks that contribute to addiction while promoting healthy lifestyles.

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?

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

View dates, agendas and meeting minutes for public meetings, including the Substance Misuse Prevention Oversight and Advisory Council (SPMC).

Supporting strong family connections has helped to reduce alcohol and marijuana 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.

Preventing substance misuse reduces the risk factors that contribute to alcohol, tobacco or other drug use – while promoting protective factors that support healthy lifestyles and communities.