Indiana

• In 2001, in Indianapolis, Indiana 66.8% of adult male arrestees and 67% of adult female arrestees tested positive for drugs at the time of their arrest.
• In 2000 in Indiana, 6.15% person 12 and older reported past year alcohol or illicit drug dependence or abuse.

Drugs

• Cocaine: Cocaine and crack cocaine are significant drug threats in Indiana. Powered cocaine is available throughout the northern part of Indiana and crack cocaine is available in the more rural southern parts of Indiana. Powered and crack cocaine purity levels range from 80%-95%. Prices have decreased slightly from $90 to $85 per gram for powder, and $25 to $20 per rock (crack).
• Heroin: Although heroin has previously not been a threat to Indiana, recent rates of use and distribution are on the rise. Purity levels for heroin are increasing and have been as high as 80%. Increases in purity levels have also lead to increases in demand, which have in turn lead to an increase in the number of addicts. According to the DEA, in the first quarter of FY2002, heroin in Indianapolis, Indiana sold for $2,500 to $3,500 per ounce and $200 to $300 per gram. In northwestern Indiana (near Gary) it sold for $2,500 to $6,000 per ounce and $100 to $150 per gram.
• Marijuana: One of the most widely available and most frequently used drugs in Indiana is marijuana. Rural youth use marijuana more frequently than urban and suburban youth. During FY2002, marijuana typically sold for $1,200 to $1,600 per pound, $35 to $60 per ounce, and $6 to $9 per gram in Indianapolis, Indiana. Prices for marijuana ranged from $600 to $1,200 per pound, $30 to $40 per ounce, and $8 to $10 per gram in northwestern Indiana.
• Methamphetamine: The abuse of meth is not as serious of a problem in Indiana as cocaine, but has become a growing threat. Methamphetamine abuse has spread from rural to more urban areas of Indiana and it accounts for 50% of drug overdoses in the Lake County, Indiana HIDTA area of responsibility. A typical user may want to lose weight, or stay energized for an all night party or for their highly demanding job. Health officials indicate that the drug is mostly used by middle class, blue-collar Caucasians, but it is increasing in popularity among youth. Prices have decreased from $1,420 per ounce in 1995 to $1,265 in 1999, which indicates increased availability. Thefts of anhydrous ammonia are up and meth production is spreading from Southwest to Northeast.
• Club Drugs: MDMA (ecstasy) is available and abused primarily in college and university settings. MDMA sells for $15-30 per pill. GHB is distributed to high school and college students at raves and dance clubs for $5-10 per pill. LSD is available in urban areas for $2-4 per dose.
• Diverted Pharmaceuticals: The diversion and abuse of is a growing threat throughout the staet Indiana. Northeast Indiana has experienced a series of pharmacy armed robberies in which OxyContin stolen.

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.