Understanding Addiction in Massachusetts

This is the newest post in the "Health of Massachusetts" series, a comprehensive new report from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Chapter ten “Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Use” looks at the rates of alcohol and drug abuse in Massachusetts. Specifically, we provide data on substance abuse by region and age category, opioid related morbidity and mortality, and tobacco use.

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease. Left untreated, its consequences create a significant public health burden. Its physical and mental health effects range from illness and disability to death. Most aspects of our society, and every aspect of our social service and criminal justice systems, bear a significant impact from substance use disorders (SUDs). Left untreated, SUDs impose significant costs on the Commonwealth, especially for those who rely on programs and services from multiple state agencies.

Massachusetts shoulders a greater public health burden from SUDs than many other states; however, substantial work has been done in recent years to decrease this gap. To learn more, visit our website at www.mass.gov/dph/healthofmassachusetts.