Massachusetts

• In 2001, there were 16,528 arrests for drug abuse violations in the state of Massachusetts.
• An increasing number of pharmacy robberies and armed robberies have been attributed to the increase in OxyContin abuse in Massachusetts. During 2002, there were 166 pharmacy robberies reported in New England. One hundred forty-eight of the 166 pharmacy thefts took place in Massachusetts.

Drugs

• Cocaine: Powdered and crack cocaine both pose significant drug threats to Massachusetts. In the first quarter of FY 2003, powdered cocaine sold for $24,000-$32,000/kilogram, $800-$1,200/ounce, and $50-$100/gram. Crack cocaine sold for $850-$1,600/ounce and $10-$50/rock.
• Heroin: Heroin poses the most serious drug threat to Massachusetts. South American heroin is the main form of heroin found in Massachusetts. Southeast Asian heroin is occasionally available, while Southwest Asian and Mexican black tar heroin are rarely available. During the first quarter of FY 2003, heroin averaged over 60% pure and sold for $120,000/kilogram, $3,100-$5,000/ounce, $75-$200/gram, and $6-$25/bag. A new potent form of heroin has been made available in Boston, Massachusetts and other areas around the state of Massachusetts. This new heroin is often sold in $4 bags and is powerful enough to be sniffed.
• Marijuana: Marijuana is the most readily available drug in Massachusetts. While most of the marijuana found in Massachusetts originates in Mexico, locally-produced and Canada produced marijuana are also available. In the first quarter of FY 2003, commercial grade marijuana sold for $700-$1,800/pound, $125-$250/ounce, and $5/joint. Sinsemilla (high potency marijuana) sold for $3,000-$4,500/pound and $400/ounce at midyear 2002.
• Methamphetamine: Methamphetamine poses a low threat to Massachusetts and is only occasionally available in the state. However, Methamphetamine abuse has been noted in some areas of Cape Cod and western parts of Massachusetts. Methamphetamine is sometimes abused at rave parties by young adults ages 18-26. Individuals in their late 30s to early 40s also abuse the drug. In the first quarter of FY 2003, meth sold for $250/gram in Massachusetts.
• Club Drugs: The availability and abuse of MDMA, GHB, Ketamine and LSD pose increasing threats to Massachusetts. In the first quarter of FY 2003, MDMA sold for $6- $16/tablet at the wholesale level and $20-$40/tablet at the retail level; GHB sold for $5/dosage unit at the retail level; Ketamine sold for $30-$75/vial and $20-$40/bag (0.2 grams); and LSD sold for $5-$10/dosage unit.
• Other Drugs: Diverted pharmaceuticals pose an escalating threat to Massachusetts. Doctor shopping rings, forged and/or altered prescriptions, and diversions from an individual’s prescriptions are the most common methods of diverting OxyContin in Massachusetts. In the first quarter of FY 2003, a 20-milligram OxyContin tablet typically sold for $20 and an 80-milligram OxyContin tablet sold for $40. Percocet sold for $35 for a 150-milligram tablet and $6 for a 10-milligram tablet. Vicodin sold for $3 per tablet in the first quarter of FY 2003 in the state of Massachusetts.

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.