New Hampshire Addiction Statistics
New Hampshire has the fifth highest rates of drug abuse and dependence in the US. An estimated 3.4% of New Hampshire residents abuse or are addicted to illicit substances.
Marijuana is the most common drug in New Hampshire, and it is legal for medicinal use. Much of the marijuana in the state is imported from other areas, but it is also grown locally in significant amounts as well. About 44% of high school students in New Hampshire report having used marijuana at least once in their lives, which is slightly higher than national rates that rest at 40%.
Heroin is the next most common drug in New Hampshire, followed by crack cocaine. Ecstasy is increasing in popularity among college students in the “rave” party scene. Methamphetamine is rarely used in New Hampshire.
Approximately 66% of New Hampshire residents drink at least one alcoholic beverage per month, which is a full ten points higher than the national average. This statistic places them in fifth in the nation for percentage of people who use alcohol regularly. However, the prevalence of binge drinking and heavy drinking in New Hampshire are statistically lower than the national rates. Rates of death by alcohol poisoning are also low when compared with nearby states.
Rates of drinking among high school students match national rates closely, and only 14% of New Hampshire residents had their first drink before age 13 compared with 20% nationally.
New Hampshire does not exhibit rates of behavioral disorders that differ significantly from national statistics.