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MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — New figures from the state Health Department show more Vermont residents sought treatment for opiate addiction than for alcoholism in fiscal 2013 for the first time.
In the 12 months ending in June of last year, 4,043 Vermonters sought treatment for addiction to heroin and opiate-based prescription drugs like Oxycontin. Meanwhile, 3,776 people sought treatment for alcohol addiction.
Human Services Secretary Harry Chen says it's the first time opiate addiction has outpaced alcoholism as a reason for Vermonters to seek treatment.
Treatment for alcoholism has been trending downward for about 10 years, but officials say alcohol is still a big problem in Vermont.
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