Kansas

• Topeka, Kansas is a drug distribution center in Kansas and serves as a transit area for drugs being taken to other states.
• From January 1 through September 30, 2003, no marijuana plants were seized in Topeka, Kansas or Shawnee County, Kansas. During 2002, the Topeka, Kansas Police Department seized 76 cultivated marijuana plants at indoor locations. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation seized 3 marijuana plants at outdoor sites in Shawnee County, Kansas in 2002.
• From January to October 1, 2003, there were 13 meth laboratory-related seizures in Shawnee County, Kansas.

Drugs

• Cocaine: Cocaine, particularly crack cocaine, is considered readily available throughout Kansas, primarily in major urban areas such as Topeka, Kansas.
• Heroin: Heroin sells for $100/gram in Topeka, Kansas.
• Methamphetamine: During the first quarter of 2002, law enforcement officials in Topeka, Kansas indicated that high purity crystal Methamphetamine became available in wholesale and retail quantities in their area. In the Topeka, Kansas area, Methamphetamine produced by Mexican criminal groups sells for $5,000/pound.
• Club Drugs: Law enforcement officials in Topeka, Kansas indicate that GHB availability and abuse are moderate.

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.