Burlington Addiction Center: Concerns Over Costs & Crime

Burlington, Vermont is grappling with a confluence of challenges – rising drug use, increasing safety concerns, and a growing homeless population – forcing residents and city leaders to adapt to a February 15, 2026 reality markedly different from years past. The situation, while not unique to Burlington, is straining resources and prompting difficult conversations about public safety and social responsibility.

More than 300 people are currently experiencing homelessness in the greater Burlington area, a figure described as the highest on record. This increase coincides with record overdose rates, largely attributed to the prevalence of fentanyl. First responders are overwhelmed, and a sense of unease has settled over the city, particularly in the downtown core.

The changing atmosphere is impacting daily life. A 63-year-old woman recounted being struck in the head while walking on South Winooski Avenue, an incident occurring on the same day an 82-year-old man was assaulted in the same area. These incidents, while alarming, are not isolated. Individuals experiencing homelessness also report feeling increasingly vulnerable, with one woman, identified only as Rebecca, stating she had been kicked and urinated on while sleeping, a level of aggression she claims was unheard of in the past. I feel very concerned for my safety. I feel like somebody could really hurt me, Rebecca said.

The situation extends beyond physical safety. Downtown Burlington, once a vibrant hub for commerce and recreation, now presents a duality. Green spaces intended for leisure are also becoming sites of open drug use, while locally owned businesses are facing increasing instances of theft. The Flynn theater, a cultural landmark, finds itself providing unintentional shelter to those without homes under its brightly lit marquee.

Burlington’s Mayor, Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, acknowledges the complexity of the issues, stating There’s no one thing that would solve any of this, because it would have been done already. City leaders are actively pursuing long-term solutions, including the creation of new programs and positions aimed at supporting vulnerable populations. However, these efforts are unfolding against a backdrop of immediate concerns and a growing sense of frustration among residents and business owners.

The challenges facing Burlington are mirrored, to varying degrees, across the state of Vermont and the wider United States. According to data from early 2026, West Virginia currently has the highest drug use rate in the country, at 6,297 per 100,000 people. Other states with high rates include the District of Columbia (5,826), Kentucky (5,324), and Tennessee (5,162). These states often share common characteristics, including economic hardship and limited access to healthcare and addiction treatment services.

The opioid crisis, in particular, has had a devastating impact. Burlington County, New Jersey, for example, is battling substance use disorder and has established an advisory committee to allocate funds from settlements with pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson. Approximately $13.6 million is expected to flow into Burlington County over the next 18 years as part of a nationwide settlement totaling $26 billion. Between 2015 and 2019, the county recorded 645 fatal overdoses and drug-related deaths.

The response to the growing crisis isn’t limited to Vermont or New Jersey. Across the border in Canada, mayors in Ontario are urging the provincial government to declare a state of emergency regarding homelessness and addiction. This highlights the regional nature of the problem and the increasing pressure on municipalities to address these complex social issues.

In Burlington, the lack of immediate solutions has led to a situation where residents and businesses are taking matters into their own hands. With police forces facing staffing shortages, businesses are implementing their own security measures to deter theft. Clergy are grappling with how to balance charitable work with the need to ensure the safety of their congregations. The situation underscores a broader trend of communities feeling increasingly abandoned by traditional support systems.

The long-term implications of these trends remain uncertain. While Burlington is actively pursuing long-term solutions, the immediate challenges of drug use, homelessness, and safety concerns are likely to persist. The city’s experience serves as a microcosm of a larger national struggle, one that demands a comprehensive and sustained response from policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities alike. The adaptation to this new normal, as described by local observers, will require ongoing resilience and a willingness to confront difficult realities.