Substance use disorder can happen to anyone. It’s a progressive, chronic condition that changes a person’s brain, making it difficult to stop. Preventing substance misuse before it even begins is critical to a healthy New Hampshire.
Why It Matters
Evidence-informed prevention efforts across the lifespan are critical and the most cost-effective way to prevent a new generation of individuals from misusing substances. With limited state and federal funding, New Hampshire’s 13 Regional Public Health Networks and community-based coalitions across the state are actively working to employ evidence-informed prevention practices, programs, and policies proven to curb youth substance misuse.
By the Numbers
43%
of NH 12th graders used an electronic vapor product in 2023.
23.1%
of New Hampshire teens reported currently drinking alcohol in 2023 — that's nearly 1 in 4 teens.
19.8%
of New Hampshire teens were using cannabis products in 2023 — a 4% increase from 2021 (15.8%).
Our Impact
New Futures advocates for state laws that mirror evidence-based prevention policies that prevent increased access and misuse of addictive products, particularly for youth. In 2019, New Futures championed legislation that added “vaping” to the law regarding youth access to tobacco products, and in 2020, championed an omnibus bill that increased the age for sales and possession of tobacco products from 19 years old to 21, including vaping products like e-cigarettes. In 2021, New Futures opposed legislation that would allow restaurants to sell cocktails to go, which could have increased youth access to alcohol. In 2025, New Futures helped defeat legislation that would've changed the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) from an opt-out to an opt-in, which could've significantly reduced participation and hampered the efforts of parents, schools, and communities to keep young people healthy.
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