Missouri

• During 2000, the crime index total for St. Louis, Missouri was 50,653. This number increased to 52,635 in 2001.
• Preliminary data show that there were 24,109 crime index offenses known to law enforcement in St. Louis, Missouri from January to December of 2002.

Drugs

• Cocaine: Cocaine is readily available on street corners in St. Louis, Missouri in rock and gram quantities. Crack cocaine sells for $20 per rock and $300-$400 per gram. Powder cocaine, which is approximately 77% pure, sells for $100-$125 per gram.
• Heroin: Most heroin available in St. Louis, Missouri is dark brown or black tar heroin. Mexican heroin is generally the only type available in this area. Heroin in St. Louis, Missouri is 10% pure (mostly black tar) and prices range from $10 per bag to $40 per bindle (1/10 gram). One gram of heroin sells for $100.
• Marijuana: Marijuana indicators in St. Louis, Missouri have been showing an upward trend in usage for some time. Marijuana prices range from $20 for a bag to $100 for an ounce.
• Methamphetamine: Locally produced meth in St. Louis, Missouri ranges from 70-80% pure, while Methamphetamine purity from Mexico ranges anywhere from 20-30% pure.
• Club Drugs: GHB use has increased in the St. Louis, Missouri area and users often purchase the drug at nightclubs. A capful of GHB costs $5 and an ounce sells for $40. Use of Ketamine is reported and there have been increases in the number of robberies from veterinary offices. PCP is limited in availability and generally used as a dip on marijuana joints. Most PCP users in the inner city are African American. LSD blotters sell for $2-$4 per 35 microgram dose.
• Other Drugs: OxyContin abuse remains an escalating concern in the St. Louis, Missouri area. OxyContin is the most frequently stolen prescription drug in pharmacy robberies and costs $40 for an 80-milligram tablet on the street level. OxyContin and heroin are often used as substitutes for one another.

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.