Diseases Injury and Violence Prevention Maternal, Infant, and Child Health Mental Health Nutrition and Physical Activity Reproductive and Sexual Health Acknowledgments Data Sources and References Other Links Click on the mailbox below to e-mail us if you have questions or comments Back to top Alcohol, tobacco and drug dependence are the leading causes of chronic illness and premature deaths in New Hampshire. Treatment can help end addiction. Smoking is responsible for approximately 1,700 deaths each year, and is the leading, preventable cause of death and disability in New Hampshire. Long-term heavy drinking increases risk for heart disease and stroke, several forms of cancer, cirrhosis, and other liver disorders. Alcohol use also contributes to a substantial proportion of injuries and deaths related to motor vehicle crashes, falls, fires, drowning and firearms.
Alcohol is often a factor in homicides, suicides, domestic violence and child abuse.
Use of alcohol during pregnancy can result in growth and mental retardation and birth defects. Use of drugs such as heroin, marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine can be associated with injury, illness, disability, lost productivity, crime, and death. An estimated 13.9 million Americans use illegal drugs with marijuana use being the most common. Injection drug use is associated with transmission of HIV and blood borne infections. Prevention, treatment, and long term support for recovery are key to reducing deaths and other adverse health effects attributable to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.