Substance Facts

Understanding the health effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can dramatically help prevent the use and abuse of these substances. Scientific and evidence-based research can be used to inform and inspire our behavior and policies.

Cannabis Conversations
How can I talk to my kids about marijuana and cannabis use? You can watch the Cannabis Conversations video by clicking on the Marijuana tab below.

Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
Done every two years, this statewide survey measures behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of injury, disease and death of youth. For statewide survey results, click here. For Windham Northeast Supervisory Union (WNESU) results by year, click on the links below.
2009
2011
2011 Middle School
2011 High School
2013
2015
2017
2019

2021 WNESU High School/Middle School

Core Measurements

GFC, with the assistance of Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) and the Bellows Falls Union High School staff, conducts a core measurement survey at the high school, which covers protective factors, mental health, and substance use.

2022

2023

National Survey on Drug Use & Health (NSDUH) - Provides national and state-level data on the use of tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs (including non-medical use of prescription drugs) and mental health in the U.S.

Vermont Cannabis Data Report - Data collected from various sources to provide information regarding cannabis use and potential health effects in Vermont.

Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. About 95,000 Vermonters smoke cigarettes. 800 Vermonters die each year from tobacco-related diseases. In 2011, 55% of VT smokers attempted to quit. More than 80% of adult smokers begin smoking before 18 years of age. Each day in the United States, approximately 3,800 young people under 18 years of age smoke their first cigarette, and an estimated 1,000 youth in that age group become daily cigarette smokers.

We can change this. Below you will find research to understand the harmful effects of tobacco. Interested or ready to quit and go smoke-free? Click Here to “Be Smoke-Free!”

Health Effects of Smoking Cigarettes
This Centers For Disease Control (CDC) overview provides information on the harmful effects of smoking tobacco.

Health Effects of Smokeless Tobacco
A detailed resource on the health effects and dangers of smokeless tobacco products.

As we continue to see marijuana policies change both nationally and within Vermont, it is important that we be informed about the effects of using the substance, who is benefiting from these new policies and how marijuana is impacting our communities.

How can I talk to my kids about marijuana and cannabis use?

How does marijuana affect your brain?

What does the research tell us? Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, shares the latest research on the effects of marijuana on the developing brain.

Project SAM

Research and discussion around changing marijuana policy, including the corporate influence on the production, distribution and sale of marijuana.

Rx (prescription) drugs can help manage chronic pain or stop a serious illness. But, if overprescribed or abused, Rx drugs can cause great harm to an individual, family or community. In some cases, the abuse and misuse of Rx drugs can lead to the addiction of other opioids, such as heroin. 77% of heroin users say they started using the drug after using an approved painkiller. This page contains information and research on the effects of Rx drugs and other opioids.

Opioid Addiction & Treatment
Information and research from the Vermont Department of Health.

WindhamRx
An amazing resource created by BAPC - Building a Positive Community with research, tools and tips.

Drop Boxes for Medications
A video about the importance of drop boxes for your medication created by FACT TV.

Health Effects of Alcohol
Center For Disease Control (CDC) fact sheet providing general definitions and statistics surrounding the health effects of alcohol.

Effects of Alcohol on the Developing Teen Brain
Because our brains are developing well into our 20s, substances such as alcohol can negatively influence its growth.

Impact of Alcohol Advertising on Youth
Describes the influence of alcohol advertising and teen consumption of alcohol.

If you are in crisis or feeling suicidal, call or text 988
Click here for more information and resources.

Substance Facts

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If you are in crisis or feeling suicidal, call or text 988 Click here for more information and resources.

Substance Facts

If you are in crisis or feeling suicidal, call or text 988
Click here for more information and resources.