Of all the places to be in New Hampshire, Manchester (The Queen City) is arguably the absolute best. It’s the most populated city in all of New England, and its mountainous beauty and quiet villages are just small parts of this city’s grandeur. 

With a larger populous comes larger issues, however. The impact that drugs have had on Manchester over the last few years has been devastating. In 2019 alone, New Hampshire saw 415 overdose deaths. Of all the cities affected by drugs, Manchester had the most overdose deaths that year. Manchester also was the leading city with the most administrations of Narcan, being between 501 and 750 applications. 

Subsequently, in 2020, New Hampshire continued to suffer through a drug epidemic that took a toll on more lives lost to overdoses. 

While New Hampshire slowly but surely tries to recover, having seen an 11% decline in drug overdoses since 2018, Manchester continues to require additional support in overall sobriety. 

More than 100,000 people in New Hampshire are suffering silently from their drug addiction and need treatment before they become one of those overdose statistics. Success stories happen all too often in Manchester, NH, as people are starting to awaken to their substance use disorders and find ways to get better. 

 

Why is The Drug Problem Happening?

The first thing that comes to mind when you think about a drug problem in Manchester might be the high rate of opioid drug prescriptions. These can be of high dosages and provided to many patients for chronic pain from traumatic events. 

This would blame those who find an overly reliant dependency on opiates to alleviate pain. As common as this is, the biggest contender in the drug crisis is Fentanyl. While opioids are infamous for being the most addictive drugs for human consumption, fentanyl takes the cake. 

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a very powerful synthetic opiate that can be 100 times more potent than morphine. It can be prescribed by a doctor and administered in a patch, shot, or lozenge to treat pain. However, when illegally synthesized, it becomes more potent and deadly in the form of powder, eye drops, nasal sprays, and pills. 

When fentanyl comes in these forms, drug users may unknowingly mix it with other drugs. This becomes an even bigger danger, considering a person may take more drugs unassuming of the dangerously potent amount of fentanyl within. 

Once a patient becomes addicted to opioids, their possibility of overdose increases every time they try an opiate drug. Each time they use these substances, their need for more opiate use increases due to their higher tolerance. 

Essentially, fentanyl has become the new heroin. Fentanyl hit the streets of New Hampshire several years ago and has only increased in transportation, use, and cause of death. 

CNN news reports that Manchester, NH, is at the intersection of several major roads and highways. This is a contributing factor to the trafficking of fentanyl into and out of the state. People assume that Massachusetts is the hive of opiate activity, where they are created, and drug dealers come to New Hampshire to make the most out of their money.

When you factor in how quaint and docile the city of Manchester, NH is, this can be another contributor to the drug problem. With an increase in depression in such a small-big town, people will likely turn to drugs as an escape from reality. 

 

What Can Be Done About the Drug Problem in Manchester, New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, authorities are taking more actions to combat the ever-pressing drug problem in Manchester and surrounding areas.As time goes on, Manchester is beginning to see a change in drug habits and use for all its citizens suffering from drug addiction. 

More resources are being applied to help those who are seeking addiction treatment. One resource, in particular, is the Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire. This facility has experience in helping and rehabilitating individuals who struggle with any type of substance abuse. The center focuses on treating many different types of substance abuse, including alcohol, opiates, barbiturates, stimulants, and others.

Sobriety centers actively tackle the drug problem in Manchester by providing personalized addiction treatment that helps individuals struggling with drug use achieve long-term sobriety and recovery. These centers offer both inpatient and outpatient programs to cater to the needs of their patients.

A person who seeks help will receive comprehensive care in the form of detox assistance, individualized and group therapy, family counseling, and more. If you or someone you know or love is suffering from a drug problem in Manchester, New Hampshire, contact the Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire. Professionals are ready to help begin a new recovery journey and get the drug problem under control in this glorious city.