Alaska

• In 2002, there were 598 total juveniles charged in Juneau, Alaska. Of those juveniles charged, 42 of the cases were related to drug and alcohol charges.
• In Southern Alaska, particularly in Juneau, Alaska meth arrives in the area in large amounts. The meth has already been processed into a usable form and is ready for sale on the street.
• During 2000, there were 126 court cases in Juneau, Alaska involving drinking underage.
• From 1991-1998, there was one youth alcohol-related injury resulting in death in Juneau, Alaska. From 1991-1998, there were 17 alcohol-related injuries requiring hospitalization in Juneau, Alaska for persons ages 20 years or younger.
• In 1998, there was a total of 7 motor vehicle accidents relating to underage drinking in Juneau, Alaska.

Across the United States, drug use is a cause for concern. For more and more individuals, drug use (including hard drugs like cocaine, meth, and heroin) is becoming a part of their daily lives. This raises concern that the country may be entering a period of drug use unseen since the '70s.

This increase in drug use affects not only the drug user, but also their family and friends. They suffer along with the drug addict through their ups, downs, sobriety, and intoxication. This can be very stressful for those who care about an individual with a drug addiction.

The physical and physiological health of a person who has a drug addiction is also a concern. Drug use can lead to health problems ranging from heart trouble to memory loss. These issues may have long term consequences, and at times may be deadly. Drug overdose is one such trend that is monitored across the United States. Sadly, many people die each year due to an overdose of drugs or alcohol.

Crime is also a factor when it comes to drug addiction. Many find they must spend more and more money to meet the needs of their drug addiction. This can lead to robbery, prostitution, scams and so on. Often times, those who are taken to jail are either intoxicated at the time of their arrest or are committing a crime to support their drug habit.

Although drug trends throughout the United States vary year to year, drugs are always a problem. Even when statistics are low for drug abuse, drug related crime, and drug treatment admissions, it is important to remember that it is still a cause for concern. Monitoring drug trends helps in determining where there are high amounts of drug use and how these areas may correlate with crime, addiction treatment, and health care.

This site, United States Drug Trends, will keep you informed of the current drug trends taking place throughout the United States. Use this site to educate yourself and increase your awareness of what is happening in the state you live in.