NH ranked 37th when ranking states with worst drug problems, study finds

With National Prevention Week in full swing and the number of annual drug overdose deaths in the U.S. reaching more than 103,500, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on the States with the Bigget Drug Problems, as well as expert commentary, to highlight the areas that stand to be most affected.

This study compares the 50 states and the District in terms of 20 key metrics, ranging from arrest and overdose rates to opioid prescriptions and employee drug testing laws. You can find some highlights below.

Key Stats

• Alabama has 80 retail opioid pain reliever prescriptions per 100 residents, leading the nation. On the other end of the spectrum, there are 27 for every 100 Hawaii residents.
• West Virginia has 90.90 drug overdose deaths per 100,000 residents. That is eight times more than in Nebraska, which has the fewest at 11.40 per 100,000 residents.
• Vermont has the highest share of teens who used illicit drugs in the past month, at 12.52 percent. That is three times higher than in Texas, which has the lowest at 4.20 percent.
• Vermont has the highest share of adults who used illicit drugs in the past month, at 24.93 percent. That is 2.8 times higher than in Texas, which has the lowest at 9.03 percent.

To view the full report and learn about drug abuse in your state, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/drug-use-by-state/35150

Expert Commentary

What are the most effective measures state and local authorities can take to combat the opioid epidemic?

"State and local authorities need to support training and resources that help make life-saving medicines like buprenorphine and methadone more available, especially for rural, underserved, and marginalized communities. They also need to make it easier for people to access harm reduction measures, like naloxone and clean syringes. State and local officials should also support conversations and information to decrease stigma."
William Eggleston, PharmD - Assistant Professor, Binghamton University; Clinical Toxicologist, SUNY Upstate Medical University

"State and local authorities need to recognize addiction as a treatable disease and provide affordable healthcare to all who need it by expanding health insurance access and treatment sites at the state and local levels."
Christine Duvauchelle - Professor, University of Texas at Austin

Should the federal government require all rehab facilities to accept Medicaid as a form of payment? What other steps should Federal officials take to improve access to treatment?

"Yes on Medicaid. Reimburse providers for contingency-management (cm) interventions wherein patients receive material rewards for objective evidence of therapeutic progress usually abstinence from drug use. This is the only effective treatment for stimulant use disorder in controlled studies which is currently driving up fatal overdose rates. The evidence for cm's efficacy is enormous but the centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) are dragging their feet on making this evidence-based intervention available by refusing to reimburse providers claiming that there could be fraud as though that concern is new or somehow unique to this particular treatment approach. Withholding evidence-based treatment when we have a national overdose crisis is unconscionable."
Stephen T. Higgins, PhD - Director, Vermont Center on Behavior and Health; Professor, University of Vermont

"All rehab facilities should accept Medicaid as a form of payment. If possible, the Federal government might create an exemption for Medicaid expansion specifically in rehab facilities in problem states (e.g., Texas, et al) so that all patients can be adequately cared for."
Christine Duvauchelle - Professor, University of Texas at Austin

What should family or friends do if they suspect someone has a drug problem?

"Find a therapist who does Motivational Interviewing, one of the best relevant treatments. Go see that therapist and share the details of the dilemma. There is no one path for all. Work out the options with someone properly trained."
Mitch Earleywine - Professor, University at Albany, The State University of New York

"The best thing you can do if you are concerned about a family member or friend is to offer support and listen without judgment. If they want help getting treatment you can contact the National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) or reach out to a local healthcare provider. You should also talk with your pharmacist or other healthcare professional about getting naloxone."
William Eggleston, PharmD - Assistant Professor, Binghamton University; Clinical Toxicologist, SUNY Upstate Medical University