Alcohol is by far the biggest drug of abuse in rural communities, despite increased use of methamphetamine and prescription drugs, the Bangor Daily News reported July 20.

A report by the University of New Hampshire's Carsey Institute for Families and Communities, "Substance Abuse in Rural and Small Town America," concludes that drinking overshadows other drug use among all age groups in rural communities. Federal research shows that while fewer than 1 percent of rural residents ages 18-25 reported using methamphetamine or other stimulants, for example, 17 percent reported having a drinking problem.

Young adult males in rural areas were twice as likely to report problem drinking as females, and unmarried adults were more prone to problem drinking than married adults.

"I would hope that a report like this would show that [alcohol abuse treatment] is where the money needs to be spent," said UNH researcher Karen Van Gundy, author of the report.