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 Substance
abuse has a devastating impact on health, the quality of community
life, and the utilization and cost of health services. Early
teen drinking is associated with later alcohol abuse and dependence.
Nationally, at least 20 percent of hospital inpatients suffer
alcohol use disorders, which often complicate their hospitalizations.
Boston has one of the highest heroin use rates in the country,
and, according to the Boston Public Health Commission, Charlestown
has death rates from heroin almost 50 percent higher than
the rest of the City of Boston.
In collaboration with MGH, citizens of Charlestown and Revere
have formed community coalitions to fight substance abuse
among youth, with the help of the MGH Community Benefit Program.
These communities employ science-based strategies including
raising awareness, advocating for public policy changes, implementing
prevention programs and successfully developing additional
treatment resources. These efforts are resulting in modest
but steady improvements in measures of drug and alcohol use
as well as in communities’ attitudes and beliefs about
their abilities
© Copyright 2007 Partners HealthCare System, Inc.
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