Mississippi

• In 2001, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported making 241 arrests for drug violations in Mississippi.
• There were 9,361 drug arrests in the state of Mississippi during 2001.

Drugs

• Cocaine: Cocaine is the most problematic, high-threat drug for communities and law enforcement in the state of Mississippi. Most of the cocaine found in Mississippi comes through the state of Texas.
• Heroin: Heroin is currently not a problem drug or drug of choice in Mississippi. The majority of the heroin found in the State is en route to other destinations, usually to large cities in the north and east.
• Methamphetamine: Methamphetamine has become a popular drug of abuse in Mississippi, particularly among poor to middle-class Whites. Small (gram-quantity) “Nazi-method” Methamphetamine labs are frequently encountered by the law enforcement throughout Mississippi, most frequently in rural communities throughout Mississippi. The increase in Methamphetamine manufacturing is driven by a growing addiction to the drug and by the high profit margins realized from its manufacture. Methamphetamine“ice,” which is usually more than 90% pure and highly addictive, is also found in Mississippi.
• Marijuana: Marijuana is sold and used by members of all ethnic and socioeconomic groups throughout Mississippi. The marijuana available in Mississippi is primarily from Mexico, but there is also a large amount of locally-grown marijuana available.
• Club Drugs: Club drugs are popular in Mississippi among middle-to-upper-class young adult Caucasians. The club drug most frequently mentioned is MDMA (ecstasy), which is used as a party drug at nightclubs and on college campuses.
• Other Drugs: People from all racial and socioeconomic groups are abusing illicitly diverted prescription drugs. Popular pharmaceuticals that are being abused include the following: OxyContin, Xanax, Valium, Vicodin, Dilaudid, and Lortab

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.