Essex County VT Addiction Treatment Hotline

Essex County, Vermont substance abuse addiction resources, help lines and hotlines, call for free, confidential support

Substance abuse statistics in Essex County, VT

Essex County, VT, like many other areas across the country, is facing a significant problem with substance abuse[1]. According to the Vermont Department of Health, the rate of overdose responses and fatalities has been accelerating sharply in recent years[2]. While Essex County has recorded less than 10 overdose deaths, it is important to note that this is a small county with a population of fewer than 6,000 residents[3]. Despite the relatively low number of deaths, the impact of substance abuse on individuals and communities in Essex County is significant.

Opioid abuse is a particular concern in Essex County, as it is across the state of Vermont. In 2014, 61% of drug overdose deaths in Vermont involved an opioid[4]. While the number of opioid-related deaths in Essex County is relatively low, it is still a cause for concern. Between 2020 and 2021, the population of Essex County decreased by 3.35%, and the median household income grew[5]. This economic instability can contribute to higher rates of substance abuse, as individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.

The impact of substance abuse on individuals and communities in Essex County cannot be overstated. Admissions to drug treatment in the county fell 46% between 2018 and 2021[6]. This downward trend began in 2019, suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated the problem of substance abuse in the area. Substance abuse not only affects the individual struggling with addiction but also has a ripple effect on their family, friends, and community[3]. It can lead to increased crime rates, strained social services, and decreased economic productivity. It is essential that communities in Essex County and across Vermont work together to address the root causes of substance abuse and provide support and resources for those in need.

References

1. Health. (n.d.) Retrieved December 13, 2023, from impactessexcounty.org/health
2. Mayor Weinberger Releases New Data in City’s Opioid …. (n.d.) Retrieved December 13, 2023, from www.burlingtonvt.gov
3. Overdose tracker shows amount of drug-related fatalities in …. (n.d.) Retrieved December 13, 2023, from www.mynbc5.com
4. Drugs, Death, and Despair in New England. (n.d.) Retrieved December 13, 2023, from www.bostonfed.org
5. Essex County, VT. (n.d.) Retrieved December 13, 2023, from datausa.io/profile/geo/essex-county-vt
6. Treatment may be less available. (n.d.) Retrieved December 13, 2023, from impactessexcounty.org/data-stories/?date=1542356684

Essex County, VT Substance Abuse Treatment & Drug Addiction Hotlines and Resources

United Way Essex County VT

At the United Way in Essex County VT, Granite United Way is a nonprofit organization that makes strategic investments in our community that help others Learn, Earn and Be Healthy. Granite United Way has the expertise, trust, and scope to bring together stakeholders like local nonprofits, government, businesses, private foundations, and volunteers with the common goal of delivering total community impact. Granite United Way believes that every one of us has the power to be a change agent. We are committed to removing barriers and creating opportunities for people to make a positive impact in our community. We work closely with volunteer leadership to invest donor dollars to help our community Learn, Earn and Be Healthy. By focusing on these investment initiatives, we are helping people in new and strategic ways.