Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for New Hampshire

New Hampshire has been grappling with the devastating effects of drug and alcohol addiction for years. The state has seen alarming rates of overdose deaths, particularly those involving opioids, and concerning levels of substance use disorders among its residents. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of drug and alcohol use in New Hampshire, highlighting the most shocking statistics and the challenges faced in treatment and recovery.

• New Hampshire has one of the highest suspected drug use resulting in overdose deaths per capita, at 2.64 and 2.49 deaths per 10,000 population.
• In 2022, there were 463 confirmed drug deaths, with fentanyl alone or in combination with other drugs being a significant contributor.
• National data ranks New Hampshire in the top 10 states for alcohol consumption, with the state consuming more gallons of alcohol than every other state in the nation.

Substance Use and Disorders

New Hampshire has been hit hard by the drug overdose crisis. The state has one of the highest suspected drug use resulting in overdose deaths per capita, at 2.64 and 2.49 deaths per 10,000 population¹.

• Treatment admissions for opioid/opiate use by county per 10,000 population varied, with some counties experiencing higher rates¹.

Alcohol Use and Related Issues

Alcohol use and related issues are significant concerns in New Hampshire, particularly among youth and adults. About ten percent of 12-17 year olds in New Hampshire reported they have tried alcohol in the past month².

• Adults in New Hampshire are consuming more alcohol since the pandemic, with alcohol sales increasing about 5.2% in 2020 compared to 2019².
• An average of 661 annual deaths in New Hampshire are attributable to excessive alcohol use³.

Sponsored

Online Therapy Can Help

Over 3 million people use BetterHelp. Their services are:

• Professional and effective
• Affordable and convenient
• Personalized and discreet
• Easy to start

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started

Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths

The opioid crisis has taken a devastating toll on New Hampshire, with the state experiencing a high number of overdose deaths. In 2022, there were 463 confirmed drug deaths, with fentanyl alone or in combination with other drugs being a significant contributor⁴.

• Three of the confirmed drug deaths in 2022 involved xylazine in combination with fentanyl and other drugs⁴.
• In 2021, there were 441 overdose deaths in New Hampshire, with an age-adjusted rate of 32.3 overdose deaths per 100,000 people⁵.

The drug and alcohol crisis in New Hampshire has far-reaching consequences, affecting individuals, families, and communities across the state. By understanding the scope of the problem and the specific challenges faced, policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations can work together to develop targeted interventions and support systems. With a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, treatment, and recovery services, New Hampshire can make strides in addressing this public health emergency and saving lives.

Sponsored

Get matched with an affordable mental health counselor

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started