New Hampshire’s substance abuse rates have significantly impacted the state socially and economically. The opioid epidemic, in particular, has been a major issue in the state, with New Hampshire having one of the highest rates of overdose deaths in the country.
The impact of substance abuse has been felt across many areas of life in the state. Individuals struggling with substance abuse face significant health consequences, including mental health disorders, chronic conditions, and an increased risk of injuries and accidents. Substance abuse can also lead to criminal behavior and incarceration, further burdening the criminal justice system.
The economic cost of substance abuse in New Hampshire is also significant, with healthcare costs, criminal justice costs, and lost productivity all contributing to the total. Substance abuse can tear families apart, lead to social isolation, and cause other social problems that impact the community.
The cost of substance abuse to the state of New Hampshire is substantial and has far-reaching consequences. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach that includes prevention, treatment, and recovery support, as well as efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and increase access to healthcare and social services.
If you or someone you love has a substance use disorder, The Plymouth House is available to help. We are dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and individualized medically monitored detox program. To learn more about our programs, contact us today.
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Financial Toll Substance Abuse & Addiction Has on the State of New Hampshire
Substance abuse and addiction have a significant financial toll on the state of New Hampshire, affecting individuals, families, communities, and the economy as a whole.
The economic cost of substance abuse in New Hampshire includes the cost of healthcare, criminal justice, lost productivity, and other related expenses. In 2017, the total economic cost of substance abuse in New Hampshire was estimated to be $2.36 billion, according to a National Institute on Drug Abuse report.
The cost of substance abuse to the state’s healthcare system includes the cost of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and addiction treatment. In 2017, there were 471 drug overdose deaths in the state, with opioids being the most common cause. The cost of treating these conditions can be significant, especially for uninsured individuals and those with limited access to healthcare.
The criminal justice system also incurs significant costs related to substance abuse, including drug enforcement, prosecution, and incarceration. In 2017, there were 6,676 drug-related arrests in the state. The cost of criminal justice related to substance abuse in New Hampshire was $219 million in 2017.
The loss of productivity due to substance abuse is another significant cost to the state. Individuals struggling with addiction may have difficulty maintaining employment or miss work due to treatment or recovery. In 2017, the estimated cost of lost productivity due to substance abuse in New Hampshire was $504 million.
Statistics About Drug Usage & Deaths Caused by Overdoses in the State of New Hampshire
Here are some statistics about drug usage and deaths caused by overdoses in the state of New Hampshire:
- Drug Usage – According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 98,000 individuals aged 12 or older in New Hampshire used illicit drugs in 2019. This represents about 7.5% of the state’s population.
- Opioid Epidemic – New Hampshire has been heavily impacted by the opioid epidemic. In 2020, there were 571 drug overdose deaths in the state, with opioids being the leading cause of overdose. This represents a 35% increase from the previous year.
- Fentanyl – Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has become an increasing concern in New Hampshire. In 2020, fentanyl was involved in 86% of all opioid overdose deaths in the state.
- Prescription Drugs – Prescription drug abuse is another issue in New Hampshire. In 2019, approximately 31,000 individuals aged 12 or older in the state reported misusing prescription pain relievers.
Demographics – Drug overdose deaths in New Hampshire disproportionately affect specific demographics. In 2020, males accounted for 68% of all drug overdose deaths, and individuals aged 25-44 accounted for 45%.
Where in the State of New Hampshire Do People Use the Most Alcohol & Drugs?
Unfortunately, no data supports what specific region in New Hampshire uses the most drugs or alcohol.
However, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the rate of illicit drug use in New Hampshire is higher than the national average. In 2019, an estimated 12.5% of people aged 12 or older in New Hampshire reported using illicit drugs in the past month, compared to the national average of 9.7%.
In terms of alcohol use, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, New Hampshire has a higher rate of binge drinking than the national average. In 2019, an estimated 20.8% of adults in New Hampshire reported binge drinking in the past month, compared to the national average of 16.6%.
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Annual Economic Costs Attributable to Substance Abuse and Related Diseases in New Hampshire
According to a report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the annual economic costs attributable to substance abuse and related diseases in New Hampshire were approximately $2.36 billion in 2013.
This includes costs related to healthcare, criminal justice, lost productivity, and other factors. The breakdown of these costs is as follows:
- Healthcare Costs – $1.2 billion.
- Criminal Justice Costs – $424 million.
- Lost Productivity Costs – $543 million.
- Other Costs – $199 million.
It is important to note that these costs may have increased or decreased since 2013, and the total economic impact of substance abuse in New Hampshire may be even greater than reported. Additionally, these costs do not include the emotional and personal toll that substance abuse can have on individuals and families.
Factors Influencing Substance Abuse Use Statistics in New Hampshire
Several factors may influence substance abuse in New Hampshire.
Here are the following factors that may influence substance abuse in New Hampshire:
- Availability of Drugs – The availability of drugs, including prescription and illicit substances, can influence substance abuse rates. New Hampshire has been affected by the opioid epidemic, and the availability of prescription opioids has contributed to high rates of opioid use in the state.
- Demographic Factors – Substance abuse rates can vary among different demographic groups. For example, young adults may be more likely to use drugs than older adults, and men may be more likely to use drugs than women. Race and ethnicity can also influence substance abuse rates.
- Mental Health Issues – Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, can increase the risk of substance abuse. Individuals with mental health issues may use drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms.
- Socioeconomic Factors – Socioeconomic factors like poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to healthcare can also influence substance abuse rates. Individuals who are struggling financially or who do not have access to healthcare may be more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol.
- Law Enforcement and Treatment Availability – The availability of law enforcement efforts to combat drug use and substance abuse treatment resources can also influence substance abuse rates. If treatment is not easily accessible, individuals struggling with substance abuse may continue to use drugs or alcohol, and law enforcement efforts may be less effective in curbing drug use.
How Much Money Does the Usage of Drugs & Alcohol Cost American Companies Every Year?
The cost of drug and alcohol use in American companies can be high, with estimates suggesting that it can cost employers billions of dollars annually. According to a report from the National Safety Council, the estimated cost to American employers due to substance use, including drug and alcohol use, was $81 billion in 2020.
This cost includes several factors, such as:
- Lost Productivity – Substance use can lead to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and poor job performance, impacting a company’s bottom line.
- Workplace Accidents – Substance use can increase the risk of workplace accidents and injuries, resulting in costly workers’ compensation claims and medical expenses.
- Healthcare Costs – Employers may incur higher healthcare costs due to substance use among their employees.
- Legal Costs – The company may incur legal costs if an employee’s substance use results in legal problems, such as arrests or lawsuits.
The actual cost of substance use in American companies may be even higher, as these estimates do not account for other indirect costs, such as turnover, training, and recruitment expenses.
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At The Plymouth House, we remain dedicated to providing our clients with a comprehensive medical and clinical care program that focuses on much more than physical stabilization. In addition to emphasizing physical recovery, we tackle mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. While prioritizing a safe and pain-free withdrawal, we offer individual, group, and family therapy sessions, case management services, relapse prevention training, and aftercare planning.
Contact us today if you or your loved one is ready to begin an entirely new way of life and commit to long-term recovery. As soon as you call, we start developing a plan of action that begins with an initial pre-assessment. This assessment helps us determine the most appropriate level of care for each unique case. We identify potential coverage options if our medically monitored detox program is a good fit. We work closely with most major regional and national insurance providers. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation insurance benefit check.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
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