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Vermont Drug Statistics and Resources

Each year in Vermont, 6,055 individuals receive drug rehab treatment. It’s likely that thousands more need treatment but have not received it. If you or someone you know needs addiction support, help is available in Vermont. Residents can access the following free recovery resources in Vermont to find the help they need.

Drug Statistics in Vermont

Recent addiction statistics in Vermont reveal trends in substance abuse and treatment in the Green Mountain State:

244 Opioid Deaths
There were 244 opioid-related deaths in Vermont in 2022.
439 Alcohol Deaths
On average, 439 Vermont residents die each year due to excessive alcohol use.
Of Adults Binge Drink
18.5% of Vermont adults over 18 binge drink at least once per month.
8,730 Years of Life Lost
8,730 years of potential life is lost each year due to excessive alcohol use in Vermont.
53 Rehab Centers
There are 53 active rehab treatment facilities in Vermont.

Addiction Nonprofits in Vermont

Division of Substance Use (DSU) Programs

DSU aims to make services available to all Vermonters. The division oversees services to prevent and reduce the negative impacts of substance abuse. DSU partners with local organizations across the state.

Vermont 211

Vermont residents can dial 211, text, or access support online. Vermont 211 provides community resources and referrals through a statewide system designed to promote the health and well-being of Vermont residents.

Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences (VARR)

VARR improves access to recovery residences for Vermonters who need a safe place to live during recovery. The organization establishes standards and offers residential certification to facilitate high-quality environments. They also provide information about available recovery residences throughout Vermont.

Vermont Helplink

This statewide resource connects Vermont residents with substance use treatment and recovery services throughout the state. Helplink services are provided by trained specialists and are confidential and free. Vermonters seeking support can visit the website or call 802-565-LINK.

Harm Reduction Programs

National Harm Reduction Coalition

Visitors to this site can search for Vermont locations that offer naloxone and additional harm reduction supplies. Vermonters can also access the NASEN database to find local syringe access programs, and they can use the Next Distro database to order naloxone by mail.

Hub and Spoke

This is Vermont’s opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment system. Residents can receive OUD treatment at over 75 local spokes, where nurses, doctors, and counselors offer integrated healthcare and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Nine regional hubs offer support and MAT for Vermonters with more complex addictions.

Vermont Department of Health

This department provides naloxone as well as training on how to use it to save lives. The department partners with community organizations to distribute naloxone, educate Vermont residents about opioid misuse, and provide referrals to treatment.

Government Grants & Resources

Medicaid & Dr. Dynasaur for Vermonters

These government-funded health insurance plans for eligible Vermonters can help pay for mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Medicaid provides low-cost or free health coverage for adults, and Dr. Dynasaur provides low-cost or free health coverage for children, teens, and pregnant women.

United States Probation Office: District of Vermont

This office maintains contract treatment services for offenders who are court-ordered to participate in substance abuse treatment. Staff work with treatment providers to identify services, administer them, and reduce recidivism.

Vermont Department of Mental Health

This department oversees many inpatient and community-based services that provide support for Vermonters. Services include crisis lines, mental health support, peer services, and residential recovery information.

Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

This department administers Vermont Medicaid and the state-based health insurance marketplace. Staff coordinate health insurance plan options and provide assistance for Vermonters who are applying for coverage.

College Addiction Resources

Community College of Vermont Health and Wellness

Students, faculty, and staff can find resources and support to develop wellness practices. Services include free eCHECKUP TO GO Alcohol and Cannabis, which allows students to evaluate their substance use.

Norwich University Counseling and Wellness Center

Staff at this center provide safe and confidential support to students at Norwich University. Services include crisis lines, mental health screening tools, and Alcohol eCHECKUP.

University of Vermont Center for Health and Wellbeing

The institution’s Center for Health and Wellbeing offers substance use services and resources. Students can access support to cut back or quit tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.

Vermont State University Health & Wellness

Students can access support and services, including substance use prevention and education. Other resources include mental health services, stress management, crisis intervention, and referrals to medical care.

LGBTQ+ Resources

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Vermont

This organization defends civil liberties for all LGBTQ individuals. Efforts focus on issues impacting Vermonters’ rights, justice, and privacy.

PFLAG Dorset

PFLAG is dedicated to supporting and advocating for LGBTQ persons. This local chapter, in Dorset, Vermont, offers resources and links to community programs.

Pride Center of Vermont (PCVT)

PCVT is a community center designed to advance the health and safety of LGBTQ individuals in Vermont. They offer a list of resources and support services, including substance use and mental health treatment.

Veterans Programs

VA Opioid Overdose Education & Naloxone Distribution (OEND)

This organization works to reduce overdose deaths among Veterans. The program includes education and training on overdose prevention, rescue response, and naloxone kits.

Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs

This site provides information on veteran benefits and services throughout the state. Veterans can access resources for healthcare, mental health, substance use disorder, and crisis services.

Vermont Veterans and Family Outreach Program

This program was created to help veterans and their families access services and benefits. Support includes a 24-hour crisis line and links to available treatment facilities in Vermont.

Indigenous & Tribal Programs

Vermont Commission On Native American Affairs

This department develops programs and policies to benefit Native American Indians in Vermont. The site offers access to information on each of the four native tribes of Vermont, including resources and support services.

Drug Laws in Vermont

Lawmakers in Vermont have established several policies to support residents who are struggling with substance abuse.

Good Samaritan Overdose Law

If someone in Vermont witnesses or experiences an overdose, they can call 911 without fear of prosecution for using or holding illicit drugs or paraphernalia. Contraband can be confiscated, but it cannot be used as evidence for prosecution.

Naloxone Hydrochloride Dispensing Law

This statute allows Vermont pharmacists to dispense naloxone to individuals without a prescription. Pharmacists are subject to Commissioner of Health regulations.

Prescription Monitoring System

Established in 2016, this law was designed to combat the opioid crisis. The system offers a database that allows prescribers to share information about patients who receive opioid medications, to prevent patients from shopping around for multiple prescriptions.

Sources

Where do calls go?

Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed, each of which is a paid advertiser: Rehab Media Group, Recovery Helpline, Alli Addiction Services.

By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.