A survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that the US state of Vermont has the highest rate of illegal drug abuse in the country. 15 percent of residents of Vermont used an illicit drug within the past month when surveyed. In comparison, Utah had the lowest amount of drug use with 4.2 percent of its residents using an illegal drug.
13 percent of Vermont’s residents used marijuana.
Heroin us is also increasing in use and the price of the drug is increasing as well. A bag of heroin can cost $5 in large cities, but costs up to $30 in Rutland, Vermont.
Source: Pamela Engel, “Why Vermont Has a Drug Problem,” Slate, October 13, 2013.