South Carolina

• In 2000 in the city of Columbia, South Carolina, there were a total of 3,632 drug abuse violation arrests and 70 drug paraphernalia violation arrests.
• In 2000, there were 832 arrests for crack in Columbia, South Carolina.

Drugs

• Heroin: Heroin contributes to serious medical, legal, and societal consequences in Columbia, South Carolina. Heroin is considered widely to somewhat available and overall heroin availability has esclated. A bundle of heroin, which is 2 grams, costs $225. A gram of heroin costs $125-$130.
• Cocaine: Crack contributes to serious medical, legal, and societal consequences and is considered widely available in Columbia, South Carolina. Crack is easily obtained with prices ranging from anywhere from $100 per gram and $20 for a rock. Cocaine is considered widely to somewhat available. Female powder cocaine users are increasing in the Columbia, South Carolina area. A gram of cocaine costs $100. As of May 2002, cocaine sold for $25,000-$30,000 per kilogram with purity levels ranging from 75-95%.
• Marijuana: Hydroponic marijuana availability has increased in Columbia, South Carolina. Adolescents are the primary marijuana users in Columbia, South Carolina. Mexican or local commercial marijuana prices range from $10 per dime bag (3-4 grams) to $180 per ounce. As of May 2002, commercial grade marijuana (typically produced in Mexico) sold for $750- $850 per pound.
• Methamphetamine: Meth is an emerging problem in Columbia, South Carolina, although it is not very available. A gram of Methamphetamine costs $175.
• Diverted Pharmaceuticals: The availability of diverted such as the prescription drug OxyContin has increased in Columbia, South Carolina and is considered somewhat available. Adolescents are the predominant user group to abuse OxyContin.
• Club Drugs: One pill of ecstasy costs $25-$30 in Columbia, South Carolina. A vial of Ketamine (1/2 ounce) costs $125. 28 GHB sold for $20 per tablet during May 2002.

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.