A Vermont drug addiction hotline can help you access telemedicine programs for addiction recovery. Healthcare is evolving rapidly in today’s digital age, and addiction treatment is no exception. Telemedicine is changing the landscape of addiction treatment by offering convenient and effective ways to access counseling, medication management, and support services from the comfort of your home. This innovative approach is transforming the way people receive care for substance use disorders.

The National Drug Helpline is a toll-free number 1-844-289-0879 that is available 24/7. Our goal is to give you instant access to updated information about substance abuse recovery in Vermont. All calls to the helpline are answered by knowledgeable and trained professionals who can help you find treatment programs, connect you to local resources, and provide guidance in a safe, non-judgmental, private space.

Call 1-844-289-0789 today to discuss your concerns and get answers to all your questions about substance abuse and addiction. We guarantee complete confidentiality for yourself or your loved one. Find drug and alcohol treatment facilities in Burlington, Essex, Colchester, Rutland, and other communities in Vermont.

VERMONT SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCES

SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY YOUTH IN VERMONT

The Vermont 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: 12.5%
  • Percentage of students who currently drank alcohol: 24.6%
  • Percentage of students who were currently engaged in binge drinking on at least 1 day in the past 30 days: 12.1%
  • Percentage of students who reported they had 10 or more drinks in a row within a couple of hours in the past 30 days: 2.9%

MARIJUANA USE

  • Percentage of students who tried marijuana for the first time before age 13 years: 5.2%
  • Percentage of students who used currently used marijuana in the past 30 days: 19.9%

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: 7.6%

EXPOSURE TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

  • Percentage of students who ever used cocaine: 2.5%
  • Percentage of students who ever used inhalants (glue, aerosol cans, paints, sprays): 7.4%
  • 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): 1.5%
  • Percentage of students who were ever offered, given, or sold an illegal drug on school property: 11.7%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN VERMONT

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

YOUTH AGED 12-17 YEARS

  • Past-month marijuana use was reported by 14.5% of adolescents in 2017-2019 compared to 12.8% 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 15.9% of youth in 2017-2019 compared to 20.0% 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 15.5% of Vermont teens aged 12-17 years in 2017-2019 compared to 10.7% 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 10.8% (US average 9.3%), marijuana 8.6% (US average 5.2%), and cigarettes 4.1% (US average 2.3%).

Marijuana and alcohol use among adolescents in Vermont have shown positive trends with decreased usage in 2019 compared to 2002. However, illicit drug use has increased during this timeframe and is almost double of the US national average.

YOUNG ADULTS AGED 18-25 YEARS

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

  • Past-year marijuana use was reported by 53.6% of young adults in Vermont in 2017-2019 compared to 45.1% 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 8.3% of young adults aged 18-25 years in Vermont in 2017-2019, compared to 7.9% 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 0.6% of young adults in Vermont in 2017-2019 compared to 2.0% 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 10.3% of Vermont residents aged 18-25 years in 2017-2019 compared to 13.6% 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 49.4% of young adults in 2017-2019 compared to 54.3% in 2015-2017. The US national average in 2017-2019 was 35.4% showing binge alcohol use in Vermont is much higher than the country as a whole.
  • Past-year alcohol use disorder among young adults aged 18-25 was reported in 14.0% of Vermont residents in 2017-2019, compared to 19.6% in 2002-2004. The US national average for 2017-2019 was 9.8%. Vermont therefore has a higher percentage of young adults battling alcohol use disorder compared to the US average for all states.
  • Past-year substance use disorder was reported in 21.1% of young adults aged 18-25 years in Vermont in 2017-2019 compared to 27.2% in 2015-2017. The national average has hovered between 15.1% and 14.7% during this time.

VERMONT RESIDENTS 12 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

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

  • Past-year tobacco use: 27.8% (US average 26.8%)
  • Past-year marijuana use: 26.4% (US average 16.2%)
  • Past-year marijuana use disorder: 2.6% (US average 1.6%)
  • Past-year heroin use: 0.82% (US average 0.30%)
  • Past-year prescription painkiller misuse: 3.1% (US average 3.7%)
  • Past-year opioid use disorder: 1.1% (US average 0.7%)
  • Past-year illicit drug use disorder: 4.2% (US average 2.9%)
  • Past-year alcohol use disorder: 7.5% (US average 5.3%)
  • Past-year substance use disorder: 10.3% (US average 7.4%)
  • Number of people enrolled in substance use treatment (single day counts for 2019): 6,055
  • Number of people enrolled in opioid treatment programs (single day counts for 2019): 2,457
  • Problems among people enrolled in treatment: 68.3% drug problem only, 11.8% alcohol problem only, 19.9% both drug and alcohol problems
A woman wearing ear phones sitting in front of a laptop computer on a telemedicine consult with a healthcare provider.

WHAT ROLE CAN TELEMEDICINE PLAY IN ADDICTION RECOVERY?

Counseling

Telehealth services give you the opportunity to connect with a licensed therapist or counselor from the comfort of your home. During virtual counseling sessions, you can discuss your challenges, emotions, and progress without going to an addiction treatment center for in-person visits. This convenience not only saves you time but also eliminates potential barriers to getting help, such as transportation issues or concerns about anonymity. [3]

Medication Management

For many people struggling with substance use disorders, medications are a crucial component of the treatment plan. Telemedicine makes it easier to manage medication assisted treatment. Virtual appointments with healthcare providers allow assessment of your progress, adjustment in medication dosages, and guidance on safe use of medications. This helps you stay on track with your recovery without the hassle of frequent clinic visits.

Support Services

Recovery from substance use often requires ongoing support and aftercare. Telemedicine puts a range of support services at your fingertips. You can join virtual support groups where you can connect with others who are on a similar journey, share experiences, and receive encouragement. Peer support, counseling, and educational sessions can all be accessed remotely, allowing you to build a strong support network with a minimal investment of time and effort.

Anonymity and Privacy

Privacy and confidentiality are important during addiction treatment. Telemedicine respects your need for discretion. It allows you to engage in counseling and support services without worrying about running into someone you know at a treatment center. Virtual healthcare platforms are designed with security in mind, and digital encryption methods are used to ensure your personal information remains confidential.

Flexibility

Life can be unpredictable. Telemedicine offers you the flexibility to schedule appointments at a time that is most convenient for you. If you have a busy work schedule or family commitments, this is the best way to fit addiction treatment and support services into your life seamlessly. This flexibility can be critical in helping you stay committed to your recovery journey.

Access to Specialized Care

Addiction treatment is not a one size fits all. Sometimes, the best services for your unique needs may not be available locally. Telemedicine opens up opportunities for you to access specialized addiction treatment, regardless of your geographical location. You can connect with experts who have the specific knowledge and experience to address your issues.

Holistic Approach

Addiction treatment isn’t just about counseling and medications. It’s a holistic journey that addresses your physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. Telemedicine can help you access a comprehensive range of services, including nutritional guidance, exercise programs, and mindfulness practices, all of which can contribute immensely to your recovery.

Call the National Drug Helpline on 1-844-289-0879 to find telemedicine addiction treatment programs in Vermont. We can help you find a personalized, convenient, and effective program for your substance use disorder that brings the treatment to your doorstep. Let us remove the hindrances of distance, time, and privacy concerns and help you take control of your life again.

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2021. Available online. Accessed on September 12, 2023.
  2. SAMHSA. Behavioral Health Barometer Vermont. Available online. Accessed on September 12, 2023.
  3. National Library of Medicine. Telemedicine in Addiction Treatment. Available online. Accessed on September 12, 2023.

Last updated: September 12, 2023