New Hampshire is one of the nation’s smallest states in both area and population size, but it has big issues when it comes to substance abuse.
In New Hampshire, some drugs are abused far more commonly than others. In 2017, 5,364 people got treatment for drug and alcohol abuse in the state – and thousands more likely live with untreated substance use disorders.
New Hampshire has been hard-hit by the opioid crisis, and also has high rates of problematic drinking.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 most abused substances for the state of New Hampshire:
#1: Heroin
More than any other drug, heroin has wreaked havoc in New Hampshire over recent years. Nearly 50% of the people who received treatment for substance abuse in New Hampshire in 2017 said that heroin was their main drug of abuse.
Unfortunately, the high rates of heroin abuse in New Hampshire are a result of the opioid crisis. Many heroin addicts begin abusing the drug when their supply of painkillers runs out. The opioid crisis and high rates of heroin abuse go hand-in-hand across the nation.
Let’s take a look at some stats about heroin abuse in New Hampshire:
- More than 2,600 people needed treatment for heroin abuse in NH in 2017.
- About 60% of heroin treatment patients were male.
- Despite these high rates, heroin overdoses have dropped from 2014 to 2017.
#2: Fentanyl
Fentanyl might not be as widely abused as heroin, but it has led to more devastation in NH recently than any other drug. This powerful opioid is 100 times more potent than morphine. It can be used as a medication for extreme pain, but it can also be made and sold illegally.
Illegal fentanyl is being sold and cut with other drugs across NH. Overdoses are happening nearly every day. Take a look at the stats for fentanyl in New Hampshire:
- 374 people died from fentanyl overdose in NH in 2017 – far more than any other drug.
- Only 30 people died from fentanyl overdose in the state in 2013. Since then, the drug has become more common and overdose numbers have risen rapidly.
- Fentanyl reacts dangerously with many other drugs – so overdoses can happen when people mix it with substances like heroin or cocaine.
#3: Alcohol
Alcohol is often overlooked as a dangerous substance of abuse – which is a big part of why it is the country’s most widely abused drug. Alcohol, despite its status as one of the only drugs legal for recreational use, causes more deaths than any other substance nationwide.
In New Hampshire, alcohol abuse is very common. Let’s go over some stats that tell the story of alcohol abuse in this state:
- More than 1,300 people needed treatment for alcohol abuse in 2017 – and more than any other drug, it is common for people who abuse alcohol to not seek treatment.
- Men in NH abuse alcohol way more than women – almost 70% of alcohol treatment patients were men.
#4: Amphetamines
Amphetamines are a dangerous class of drugs that include the notorious street compound, meth. In addition, ADHD medications like Ritalin and Adderall are in the amphetamine class. These drugs are stimulants, or ‘uppers’. They are very addictive and can ruin lives quickly.
Although opioid abuse is more common in NH, meth still has a presence in the state. Let’s look at some of the stats for amphetamine abuse in NH:
- About 6% of treatment admissions for the state were due to amphetamine abuse.
- A recent story from a NH news outlet reported that meth use is on the rise in the region.
#5: Marijuana
Marijuana is still illegal for recreational use in New Hampshire. Although several states, including nearby Massachusetts, have legalized the drug recently, it is still against the law in NH.
This is probably for the best, as the stats show that marijuana is not as harmless as many people think it is. Contrary to popular belief, pot can be addictive and it can cause serious health and social problems.
Let’s look at the stats for pot abuse in New Hampshire:
- Almost 4% of the state’s treatment admissions were due to pot abuse.
- Men in NH are way more likely to need treatment for marijuana issues – over 72% of patients were men.
Get Treatment for Drug Abuse in New Hampshire
If you are one of the thousands of people living with substance abuse issues in New Hampshire, there is still hope for you. Substance abuse is difficult to live with, but you don’t have to live this way forever. Treatment centers across the area are ready to help you on your journey to recovery.
Call Rehab Adviser today to find out how they can help you with drug and alcohol addiction. It could be the most important call you ever make.
Sources:
- DASIS Quick Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/webt/newmapv1.htm#
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, March 29). New Hampshire Opioid Summary. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/opioid-summaries-by-state/new-hampshire-opioid-summary
- PAUL CUNO-BOOTH Sentinel Staff. (2020, January 12). Methamphetamine use creeping up in region. Retrieved from https://www.sentinelsource.com/news/local/methamphetamine-use-creeping-up-in-region/article_278afb87-3e95-5167-beab-369e12620210.html
- Toxic cocktail: Overdose deaths from mixing fentanyl with other drugs on the rise in N.H. (2019, July 16). Retrieved from https://www.concordmonitor.com/opioid-meth-cocaine-deaths-drugs-nh-27044181