To address the underlying issues that contribute to addiction, a variety of counseling and therapy approaches are necessary. These techniques are effective tools to guide and support you on your journey towards recovery. Counseling and therapy approaches delve deep into the core of your struggles, helping you unravel the complexities of your addiction and make changes to ensure lasting sobriety. A New Hampshire drug addiction hotline can help you find rehab programs that offer comprehensive treatment plans, including counseling and therapy.

The National Drug Helpline is a 24/7 toll-free number 1-844-289-0879 that is open every day of the week, including weekends and holidays. We can give you immediate access to updated information about addiction treatment in New Hampshire. Calls to the helpline are answered by trained professionals who are helpful, knowledgeable, and non-judgmental. We can connect you with local resources and offer guidance in a safe and confidential space.

Call 1-844-289-0789 today to get answers to all your questions about substance abuse and addiction. Find drug and alcohol treatment facilities in Manchester, Concord, Nashua, Rochester, Derry, and other communities in New Hampshire.

NEW HAMPSHIRE SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCES

SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY YOUTH IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

The New Hampshire Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2021 showed the following findings among 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in the state: [1]

ALCOHOL USE

  • Percentage of students who had their first alcoholic drink before age 13 years: 10.0%
  • Percentage of students who currently drank alcohol: 21.3%
  • Percentage of students who were currently engaged in binge drinking on at least 1 day in the past 30 days: 11.2%
  • Percentage of students who go the alcohol they drank by someone giving it to them: 40.5%

MARIJUANA USE

  • Percentage of students who tried marijuana for the first time before age 13 years: 4.3%
  • Percentage of students who used currently used marijuana in the past 30 days: 17.8%
  • Percentage of students who ever used synthetic marijuana (spice, K2, black mamba, fake weed): 10.1%

PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATION MISUSE

  • Percentage of students who ever took prescription pain medications such as codeine, Vicodin, OxyContin, or Percocet without a doctor’s prescription or differently than prescribed: 9.8%

EXPOSURE TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

  • Percentage of students who ever used heroin (smack, junk, China White): 1.4%
  • Percentage of students who ever used methamphetamines (speed, crystal meth, ice, crank): 1.6%
  • Percentage of students who ever used ecstasy: 2.5%
  • Percentage of students who ever injected an illegal drug: 3.6%
  • Percentage of students who were ever offered, given, or sold an illegal drug on school property: 15.9%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports the following with regards to substance use in New Hampshire: [2]

YOUTH AGED 12-17 YEARS

  • Past-month marijuana use was reported by 9.1% of adolescents in 2017-2019 compared to 10.4% in 2002-2004. During a similar timeframe, the US national average decreased from 7.9% in 2002-2004 to 6.8% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-month alcohol use was reported by 9.9% of youth in 2017-2019 compared to 20.1% in 2002-2004. The US national average also showed a downward trend from 17.6% in 2002-2004 to 9.4% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-month illicit drug use was reported by 10.6% of New Hampshire teens aged 12-17 years in 2017-2019 compared to 9.5% in 2015-2017. The US national average was stable at 8.2% during this time.
  • Past-year initiation of substances (first lifetime use) was reported by youth as follows during 2017-2019: Alcohol 10.5% (US average 9.3%), marijuana 8.5% (US average 5.2%), and cigarettes 2.4% (US average 2.3%).

Marijuana and alcohol use among adolescents in New Hampshire have shown positive trends with decreased usage in 2019 compared to 2002. However, illicit drug use has increased slightly during this timeframe. Also, past year initiation of marijuana by 8.5% of youth in NH is considerably higher than the national average of 5.2%.

YOUNG ADULTS AGED 18-25 YEARS

The data for young adults aged 18-25 years in New Hampshire is as follows:

  • Past-year marijuana use was reported by 45.7% of young adults in New Hampshire in 2017-2019 compared to 43.2% in 2002-2004. During a similar timeframe, the US national average increased from 28.7% in 2002-2004 to 35.0% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-year marijuana use disorder was reported in 5.5% of young adults aged 18-25 years in New Hampshire in 2017-2019, compared to 6.9% in 2002-2004. The US national average changed from 6.0% in 2002-2004 to 5.6% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-year opioid use disorder was reported in 0.5% of young adults in New Hampshire in 2017-2019 compared to 2.3% in 2015-2017. The US national average changed from 1.3% in 2015-2017 to 1.0% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-year illicit drug use disorder was reported in 8.0% of New Hampshire residents aged 18-25 years in 2017-2019 compared to 9.9% in 2015-2017. The US national average was around 7.2% to 7.5% during this time period.
  • Past-month binge alcohol use was reported by 49.7% of young adults in 2017-2019 compared to 46.4% in 2015-2017. The US national average in 2017-2019 was 35.4% showing binge alcohol use in New Hampshire is considerably higher than the country as a whole.
  • Past-year alcohol use disorder among young adults aged 18-25 was reported in 18.2% of New Hampshire residents in 2017-2019, compared to 23.5% in 2002-2004. The US national average for 2017-2019 was 9.8%. While the percentage of young adults battling AUD in New Hampshire has decreased between 2002 and 2017, it is considerably higher than the average for all US states.
  • Past-year substance use disorder was reported in 22.0% of young adults aged 18-25 years in New Hampshire in 2017-2019 compared to 18.9% in 2015-2017. The upward trend is worrisome.

NEW HAMPSHIRE RESIDENTS 12 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

The Behavioral Health Barometer also found the following for 2017-2019 in New Hampshire residents aged 12 years and older:

  • Past-year tobacco use: 25.6% (US average 26.8%)
  • Past-year marijuana use: 20.9% (US average 16.2%)
  • Past-year marijuana use disorder: 1.5% (US average 1.6%)
  • Past-year heroin use: 0.50% (US average 0.30%)
  • Past-year prescription painkiller misuse: 3.3% (US average 3.7%)
  • Past-year opioid use disorder: 0.8% (US average 0.7%)
  • Past-year illicit drug use disorder: 2.9% (US average 2.9%)
  • Past-year alcohol use disorder: 7.0% (US average 5.3%)
  • Past-year substance use disorder: 9.1% (US average 7.4%)
  • Number of people enrolled in substance use treatment (single day counts for 2019): 6,473
  • Number of people enrolled in opioid treatment programs (single day counts for 2019): 2,959
  • Problems among people enrolled in treatment: 69.6% drug problem only, 10.4% alcohol problem only, 20.0% both drug and alcohol problems
A female therapist with a notebook and pen in hand sitting on a sofa across from a female patient.

WHAT TYPES OF PSYCHOTHERAPY MODALITIES ARE USED IN ADDICTION TREATMENT?

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

This is a gentle yet powerful technique that taps into your intrinsic motivation to change. The counselor uses non-confrontational conversations to help you explore your desires and reasons for overcoming addiction. By gaining a deeper understanding of your personal values and aspirations, you gradually build the momentum needed to commit to lasting recovery. The motivational interviewing approach empowers you to take ownership of your choices and fosters a sense of control and self-sufficiency. [3]

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT offers a structured approach and equips you with skills to manage overwhelming emotions and create more balanced thoughts and behaviors. Through a combination of individual therapy, group sessions, and skill-building exercises, DBT teaches mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and effectiveness in interpersonal relationships. These skills serve as an armor against triggers, helping you navigate the emotional turbulence that often accompanies addiction. The focus is on acceptance and change simultaneously, guiding you towards a more fulfilling life.

Trauma Informed Care

Incorporating trauma-informed care into substance use recovery helps you recognize that addiction frequently stems from past traumas. This approach creates a safe and validating environment, acknowledging the impact of trauma on your life, and guiding you through the process of healing. By addressing the root causes of your addiction, trauma-informed care empowers you to understand and process your experiences, gradually reducing the need to rely on substances as a coping mechanism. This approach not only aids in addiction recovery but also promotes holistic well-being.

WHAT TYPE OF THERAPY IS BEST FOR ADDICTION TREATMENT?

A combination of therapeutic techniques can magnify the overall impact of psychotherapy during addiction treatment. For example, MI can ignite your motivation, DBT can equip you with practical skills, and trauma-informed care can offer a compassionate space for deeper exploration. These approaches don’t simply address the surface-level symptoms of addiction. They unearth the emotional, psychological, and environmental factors that contributed to it in the first place. Ultimately, you gain a profound understanding of your triggers, thoughts, behaviors, and drug use patterns, and become empowered to reclaim your life.

As you embark on this difficult journey, remember that seeking help is the first courageous step. Psychotherapy techniques are not quick fixes, but rather a stepping stone to lasting transformation. The process might be challenging, but it also offers invaluable insights and helps you build resilience. By putting your best effort towards these psychotherapeutic approaches, you can gradually build a life free from addiction.

Call the National Drug Helpline on 1-844-289-0879 to find comprehensive treatment programs for substance abuse in New Hampshire that offer a variety of psychotherapy and counseling modalities.

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New Hampshire Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2021. Available online. Accessed on August 10, 2023.
  2. SAMHSA. Behavioral Health Barometer New Hampshire. Available online. Accessed on August 10, 2023.
  3. National Library of Medicine. Addiction Psychotherapeutic Care. Available online. Accessed on August 10, 2023.

Last updated: August 10, 2023