America’s #1 Drug Addicted State Borders Massachusetts

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According to a recent ranking by Forbes, Vermont has emerged as the unhealthiest state in the U.S. when it comes to substance abuse, with a score of 100. The state, which borders Massachusetts to the north, has been deeply impacted by the opioid epidemic, prompting the government to take strong measures to address the situation.

With a population of approximately 645,000 people, Vermont has experienced a 7% increase in population over the past decade. While the state generally ranks quite high in other health categories, it takes the top spot in terms of drug use per capita.

The devastating impact of the opioid crisis in Vermont is evident in the staggering numbers of opioid-related deaths. Over the past 10 years, these deaths have increased by nearly 500%. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is considerably more potent than heroin, has played a significant role in driving these overdoses.

Not only is Vermont grappling with substance abuse, but it also has a high rate of alcohol consumption. The state ranks second in the country, with an average annual consumption of 49.4 gallons per capita.

In addition to Vermont, several other states have also received dismal substance abuse scores:

1. Nevada

2. Rhode Island

3. Tennessee

4. Alaska

5. New Mexico

6. Maine

7. West Virginia

8. Ohio

9. Oregon

These states, like Vermont, are facing significant challenges in combating substance abuse issues.

Overall, the data emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to tackle substance abuse and addiction, highlighting the critical role of government intervention and public awareness campaigns in addressing these pressing health concerns.