Arkansas Drug TrendsArkansas
- In 2001, there were 14,754 total drug arrests in Arkansas. The majority
of these drug arrests were for the possession of drugs.
Drugs
- Cocaine: Powder cocaine and crack cocaine are significant problems to Arkansas
because of their relation to street gang violence, especially in inner city
areas. Cocaine is easily available throughout Arkansas, which allows street
gangs to spread crack use to many suburban and rural areas.
- Heroin: Heroin is not considered a significant problem in Arkansas.
- Marijuana: Mexican and domestic marijuana are widely available throughout
Arkansas. During 2002, there were 401.2 kilograms of marijuana seized in Arkansas.
- Methamphetamine: Methamphetamine is the primary drug of concern in Arkansas.
It is locally produced meth as well as imported meth, produced in Mexico,
are both available in Arkansas.
- Club Drugs: The most popular club drug in Arkansas in MDMA (Ecstasy), although
LSD, GHB, and OxyContin are increasing in demand. Club drugs are commonly
used at raves and college hangouts.
Number of Drug Arrests, Arkansas 2001
| Drug Type |
Number of Drug Arrests |
| Sale/Manufacture |
|
| Opium / cocaine |
1,078 |
| Marijuana |
1,051 |
| Synthetic narcotics |
1,323 |
| Other dangerous drugs |
239 |
| Sale/manufacturing subtotal |
3,691 |
| Possession |
|
| Opium / cocaine |
1,427 |
| Marijuana |
6,877 |
| Synthetic narcotics |
1,892 |
| Other dangerous drugs |
867 |
| Possession subtotal |
11,063 |
| Total drug arrests |
14,754 |
Percent of high school students using selected drugs, Arkansas, 2001
| |
Female |
Male |
Total |
| Lifetime marijuana use |
38.2% |
49.1% |
43.6% |
| Current marijuana use |
18.4 |
26.7 |
22.6 |
| Lifetime cocaine use |
8.4 |
9.1 |
8.7 |
| Current cocaine use |
3.6 |
4.6 |
4.1 |
| Lifetime inhalant use |
12.6 |
15.7 |
14.1 |
| Current inhalant use |
4.1 |
4.8 |
4.4 |
| Lifetime heroin use |
2.7 |
3.3 |
3.0 |
| Lifetime Methamphetamine use |
11.6 |
12.0 |
11.8 |
| Tried marijuana before age 13 years |
7.9 |
15.2 |
11.6 |
Number of Juvenile Drug Arrests, Arkansas 2001
| Drug Type |
Number of Drug Arrests |
| Sale/Manufacture |
|
| Opium / cocaine |
52 |
| Marijuana |
79 |
| Synthetic narcotics |
19 |
| Other dangerous drugs |
17 |
| Sale/manufacturing subtotal |
167 |
| Possession |
|
| Opium / cocaine |
78 |
| Marijuana |
875 |
| Synthetic narcotics |
84 |
| Other dangerous drugs |
70 |
| Possession subtotal |
1,107 |
| Total drug arrests |
1,274 |
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.