A recent article published by WCAX discussed the growing concerns among Vermont health officials about the shift from opioid abuse to stimulant use. So far, both state and local health officials have reported observed changes in drug consumption patterns in the state. According to the news article, Burlington officials have revised plans for Vermont’s first overdose prevention centre to allow both injection and smoking of drugs, as health authorities warn the state is entering a new phase of its drug crisis marked by a shift from opioid to stimulant use.

“We are seeing more smoking of drugs rather than injection. So, that is definitely on the rise,” Said Vermont Health Deputy Commissioner Kelly Dougherty. “Historically, there have been cyclical… You’ll see a rise in opioid use. It used to be heroin, now it’s fentanyl. And then you’ll see it followed by a wave of stimulant use. So, this is not entirely unexpected.”

Data from the report released by the Vermont Department of Health, which examined the period from 2019 to 2023, drug use trends have significantly shifted over recent years. Specifically, the number of deaths linked to drug injection decreased by about 10%, while the number of deaths linked to smoking drugs has more than tripled, increasing from roughly 14% to 44% of cases. In addition, the number of overdose deaths related to snorting drugs has remained stable, while overdoses linked to drug ingestion dropped sharply.

“Stimulants tend to speed people up, and you’re going to probably see a bit more of agitation and a bit more activity from that person, versus opioids tend to slow your system down. And that’s when you see the nodding off, and then people leaning. So, it’s a very different presentation,” said Beth Holden with the Howard Center in her interview with WCAX.

Additional evidence of changing drug preferences comes from the Howard Center’s Safe Recovery program, which currently distributes pipes, as well as syringes. According to Holden, the number of syringes provided each month has decreased over the past three years, from 97,364 in January 2024 to 52,115 in August, while pipe distribution has risen during the same period, increasing from 866 to 1,140 per month. “We’re hearing more about crack and people are needing treatment for that,” Holden added.