Iowa

• In 2001, there were 8,826 drug possession offenses and 1,784 drug manufacture/distribution offenses in the state of Iowa. During 2002, there were 9,889 drug possession offenses and 1,913 drug manufacture/distribution offenses in Iowa.
• During 2001, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported making 410 arrests for drug violations in Iowa.
• In 1999, there were 8,887 drug abuse violation arrests in the state of Iowa. This number increased to 9,205 during 2000. During 2001, the number of arrests for drug abuse violations in Iowa decreased to 6,533.

Drugs

• Cocaine: According to the DEA, cocaine continues to be easily available throughout the Iowa. Purity levels for cocaine in Iowa decreased from 86% during 1995 to 74% during 2002. Prices for cocaine in Iowa increased from $100 during 1995 to $150 during 2001.
• Heroin: Mexican heroin is available in retail-level quantities throughout the urban areas of Iowa state.
• Methamphetamine: Meth is the primary drug of concern in Iowa. Caucasian males and females are equally the primary users. During the 1990's, Methamphetamine far surpasses cocaine as the "drug of choice" for many of Iowa's illicit drug users. Methamphetamine prices have decreased from $120 during 1995 to $100 during 2001. Purity levels of Methamphetamine in Iowa have decreased from $90% during 1995 to 16% during 2002.
• Marijuana: Marijuana is readily available throughout eastern and northwestern Iowa, and is usually available in combination with cocaine and/or MethamphetamineDomestically produced marijuana is available in Iowa and small indoor and outdoor
  grow operations have been found in eastern and central Iowa. “Ditchweed” marijuana, which is used as filler for higher purity imported marijuana, is a continuing problem.
• Club Drugs: The abuse of club drugs, such as MDMA and GHB, is increasing in Iowa. MDMA is encountered at rave parties in eastern and central Iowa. The Iowa State crime lab has reported an increase in the number of MDMA exhibits being processed. GHB is another drug of concern throughout Iowa.
• Diverted Pharmaceuticals: Vicodin, Lortab, propoxyphene, alprazolam, hydrocodone, Ultram, diazepam, Hycodan, Demerol, Dilaudid, and Percodan are the most popular pharmaceutical substances abused in eastern and central Iowa. These drugs are diverted through fraudulent prescriptions, doctor shopping, pharmacy break-ins, and hospital thefts. OxyContin is also noted to be a pharmaceutical drug of abuse in the state of Iowa.
  

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.