Ohio

• On January 24, 2003, law enforcement officials in Cleveland, Ohio dismantled a sophisticated cocaine drug trafficking ring. The trafficking organization was lead by Canada citizens operating out of Mexico who were smuggling large amounts of cocaine to Cleveland, Ohio. Individuals from the following agencies were involved in the investigation: Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Attorney’s Office for Northern Ohio Eastern District, Cleveland, Ohio Police Department, Bay Village Police Department, Lakewood, Ohio Police Department, and the Western Enforcement Bureau.
• Preliminary data for 2002 indicate that 71.9% of the adult male arrested and 64.4% of adult female arrestees in Cleveland, Ohio tested positive for at least one of the following drugs at arrest: cocaine, opiates, marijuana, Methamphetamine, or PCP.
• Additionally Cleveland, Ohio arrestee drug use data for 2002 indicate that 61.2% of adult male and 44.3% of adult female arrestees used marijuana within the past year. Among those reporting past year marijuana use, the average number of days the drug was used in the past month was 10 days for male arrestees and 8.1 days for female arrestees.

Drugs

• Cocaine: Crack cocaine remains a significant problem in the Cleveland, Ohio area. It is available in all areas of Cuyahoga County, Ohio and available on virtually any street corner in the inner city. A $10-$20 rock of crack cocaine is the most common selling size and smoking continues to be the most common means of crack administration. Some injection drug users indicate that there is an increase in the number of people who melt crack down and inject it with vinegar or water. Powder cocaine is not considered as readily available in Cleveland, Ohio as crack. Purity of powder cocaine ranges from 40% to 70% and prices range from $20 for a “dime bag” to $100 for a gram.
• Heroin: The availability of heroin is increasing in Cleveland, Ohio, and there is an emerging population of new, young users in the city. In the first quarter of FY 2002, the average purity of heroin found in Cleveland, Ohio was 72%. Users have stated that there are differences in the types of heroin found on the east versus the west side of Cleveland, Ohio. “China White” is more available on the east side, while “Mexican Brown” is more available on the west side. Heroin costs between $10-$20 per bag/dose and an eight ball (1/8th of a gram) is sold for $80-$90. The primary method of heroin administration in Cleveland, Ohio is by injection. However, law enforcement officials have reported a noticeable increase in individuals who snort the drug.
• Marijuana: The cost of marijuana in Cleveland, Ohio has stayed consistent at approximately $100 for an ounce or $5-$10 for a blunt. Some individuals report that it has become more difficult to buy just one or two joints for $1-$2. The use of marijuana in Cleveland, Ohio is often viewed as a non-issue and is looked at by many in the same manner as alcohol. Some Cleveland, Ohio treatment counselors have mentioned that clients are using marijuana to “mellow” after using other drugs or combinations of drugs.
• Methamphetamine: In northern Ohio, the beginning stages of a meth problem have been reported. However, Methamphetamine does not yet seem to be a very popular drug in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
• Club Drugs: Club drugs, specifically Ecstasy, have remained at steady levels in Cleveland, Ohio over the past year. MDMA users are of all races and ethnicity's. One ecstasy tablet costs between $10 and $20.
• Other Drugs: OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, and Dilaudid are growing in popularity in the Cleveland, Ohio area. OxyContin typically sells for $1 per milligram and the pills are usually chewed or crushed, dissolved, and then injected.

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.