Montana

• There were a total of 880 drug offenses known to law enforcement in 2000 in Billings, Montana.

Drugs

• Heroin: Heroin is considered “not very” available in Billings, Montana, although it is classified as an escalating problem. A bundle (1 gram) of heroin sells for $260 and has a purity level ranging from 50-70%. Users often commit burglaries, petty larceny and thefts. Users tend to be between the ages of 13 and 30 and white or American Indian. Whites who reside in the central city and American Indians who tend to live in rural areas are equally likely to abuse heroin. Most heroin users in Montana inject or snort heroin.
• Cocaine: Crack cocaine is considered “somewhat” to “not very” available in the Billings, Montana area. A gram of crack cocaine sells for $125-150 with a purity level ranging from 50-70%. Users tend to be white or American Indian and under 18 years old or between the ages of 18-30. Crack cocaine use has increased, especially among adolescents. Powder cocaine is considered “somewhat” available. It sells for $100 per gram with a purity level ranging from 50-70%. Burglary and theft are often associated with powder cocaine. Whites or American Indians are the primary user group.
• Marijuana: Marijuana is considered “widely” available in the Billings, Montana area. Locally produced commercial grade marijuana is the most common type of marijuana found. Mexican commercial grade is the second most common and sinsemilla is the third most common variety found in the area. An ounce of sinsemilla sells for $100. Many age groups are named as the primary group who uses the drug. Marijuana users are becoming younger and some initiate use as early as 8 years old. Raves have increased in the area, but they are still generally drug-free, although users tend to smoke marijuana in the car on the way to and from the raves.
• Methamphetamine: Meth is considered “widely” to “somewhat” available in the state of Montana. The number of small, local methamphetamine labs seized in the area has increased. A newly reported adulterant is the white powder preservative used for canning fruit, causing some users become sick. A gram of methamphetamine sells for $100 with a purity level of 33% in Montana. Local methamphetamine sellers are also the manufactures. Novice (those using for less than 1 year before entering treatment) users have increased.
• Diverted Synthetic Opioids: Diverted OxyContin has increased in availability and abuse in the Billings, Montana area and is considered to be “widely” to “not very” available. Diverted OxyContin sells for $40 per 20 milligrams. Theft, burglary, and prostitution are connected with this drug. There has been an increase in the number of novice users. These users tend to be former users of pain pills such as benzodiazepines or other prescription drugs.
• Club Drugs: Club drugs are considered escalating in the Billings, Montana area, but are “not very” accessible. An ecstasy pill sells for $25. Ecstasy is more commonly sold and used by high school and college students throughout the state of Montana.

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.