Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

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     Alcohol, tobacco and drug dependence are the leading causes of chronic illness and premature deaths in New Hampshire. Treatment can help end addiction. Smoking is responsible for approximately 1,700 deaths each year, and is the leading, preventable cause of death and disability in New Hampshire. During 1999, 103,540 New Hampshire adult smokers attempted unsuccessfully to quit.¹⁰ Currently, 25% of adults in the state are cigarette smokers and 31% are former smokers. 
     Long-term heavy drinking increases risk for heart disease and stroke, several forms of cancer, cirrhosis, and other liver disorders. Alcohol use also contributes to a substantial proportion of injuries and deaths related to motor vehicle crashes, falls, fires, drowning and firearms. Alcohol is often a factor in homicides, suicides, domestic violence and child abuse. Use of alcohol during pregnancy can result in growth and mental retardation and birth defects. (see Maternal, Infant, and Child Health). 
     Use of drugs such as heroin, marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine can be associated with injury, illness, disability, lost productivity, crime, and death. An estimated 13.9 million Americans use illegal drugs with marijuana use being the most common. Injection drug use is associated with transmission of HIV and blood borne infections.
     Prevention, treatment, and long term support for recovery are key to reducing deaths and other adverse health effects attributable to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Challenges in treating addictions include designing treatment interventions appropriate to the population served and treating co-occurring mental health disorders. To effectively reduce alcohol and drug use, it is essential to close the gap between the need for treatment and availability and access to treatment. 

Community and statewide efforts that include tobacco price increases, development and enforcement of tobacco control policy, counter-marketing media campaigns, and parent and youth education can be successful in reducing adolescent use of tobacco.

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