New Hampshire

• The Drug Enforcement Administration reported 46 drug arrests in New Hampshire in 2001.
• In 2001, there were 2,763 State and local arrests for drug abuse violations in New Hampshire.
• According to 2000 data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, approximately 1% of the residents of New Hampshire reported past year dependence on illicit drugs.

Drugs

• Cocaine: While powdered cocaine is readily available in New Hampshire, crack is primarily available in the state’s urban areas such as Rochester, New Hampshire; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In the first quarter of FY 2003, powdered cocaine sold for $60- $100/gram and was 20-30% pure. Crack cocaine sold for $20-$100/rock.
• Heroin: There has been an increase in availability of heroin along the seacoast and in the southeast region of the New Hampshire. Heroin has escalated as the most significant drug threat to New Hampshire. High purity, low cost heroin is attracting a new user population: young adults who snort or smoke the drug instead of inject it. In the first quarter of FY 2003, heroin sold for $7-$20/bag.
• Marijuana: Marijuana is the most readily available and widely abused illegal drug in New Hampshire. Most of the marijuana available in New Hampshire originates in Mexico. However, BC Bud from Canada and locally-produced marijuana are also available. THC content in excess of 22% has been found in the area. In the first quarter of FY 2003, commercial grade marijuana sold for $900-$2,200/pound and $5/joint. High quality, Canada-produced marijuana sold for $3,000-$4,000/pound and $10/joint.
• Methamphetamine: There has been a growth in the availability of meth in the state of New Hampshire, particularly in and around the seacoast area. In the first quarter of FY 2003, meth sold for $150/gram at the retail level.
• Club Drugs: There has been a rapid rise in the accessibility of MDMA in New Hampshire, particularly among students and in association with the rave scene. In the first quarter of FY 2003, MDMA sold for $7-$20/tablet. Powdered MDMA is available in the seacoast region of New Hampshire and sells for $150/gram.
• Other Drugs: The diversion and abuse of pharmaceutical drugs, particularly OxyContin and methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin), pose significant and increasing threats to New Hampshire. Vicodin and Percocet are also diverted and abused in New Hampshire. In 2002, OxyContin sold for $0.50-$1/milligram and Ritalin sold for $3-$10/tablet.

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.