Tennessee

• In 2000, the Memphis, Tennessee Police Department Drug Unit responded to 2,243 drug complaints. The Major Violators Team served 52 search warrants while other teams within the unit served 103 search warrants.
• Memphis, Tennessee Police Department Vice and Narcotics officers were involved in a total of 2,573 misdemeanor arrests and 1058 felony arrests in 2000.
• In West Tennessee during 2001, there were 129 total drug arrests by the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.

Drugs

• Cocaine: Crack cocaine is widely available in the Memphis, Tennessee area and costs between $5 - $20. Crack cocaine users tend to be adults young adults and black. Many gang members paint graffiti with dollar signs to indicate crack is sold in that particular area. Powder cocaine has been replacing crack cocaine in speedballs. Domestic violence is frequently named in relation to cocaine. Powder cocaine is widely available in the Memphis, Tennessee area and costs between $20 - $100 per gram. Powder cocaine is most often used by whites and blacks in the Memphis, Tennessee area, and use has increased on college campuses as well.
• Heroin: Heroin is reported as “not very” to “somewhat available” in the Memphis, Tennessee area. Heroin dealers are often involved in some form of violent crime or gang related activity. Users tend to be young adults (18-30), adults over 30 and white. Injection is the most common form of ingestion of heroin in the Memphis, Tennessee area. Heroin usually sells for $50 per 0.1 gram. Mexican brown powder heroin is available in small quantities, while Mexican black tar heroin is less available in the Memphis, Tennessee area.
• Marijuana: Hydroponically grown marijuana is considered widely available in the Memphis, Tennessee area, while Sinsemilla and BC Bud availability have decreased. An ounce of marijuana costs $100. Use appears to be evenly distributed among adolescents, young adults, and adults, with blacks being the predominate user group. Blunts have overtaken joints as the dominate vehicle of administration. Availability in distribution networks has increased and the drug sold in nightclubs, shopping malls, over the Internet, at playgrounds/parks, around supermarkets, and at private parties.
• Methamphetamine: Meth is the most widely abused and widely available drug in the Memphis, Tennessee area. “Ice,” which is almost 100% pure Methamphetamine, is considered somewhat available in Memphis, Tennessee. Manufacturers are producing meth with a new “crush and rush” method that doesn’t filter the starch out of the ephedrine or pseudoephedrine tablets. This method eliminates steps, making it quicker, but produces a less pure Methamphetamine A gram of Methamphetamine cost approximately $90 - $125. “Blonde” refers to the crystal form of Methamphetamine that can cut a users nose when snorted. “Cinnamon” refers to another form of Methamphetamine that is pink. Females are increasingly using Methamphetamine Younger adults are the predominate user group, but adults are increasing in usage.
• Other Dangerous Drugs: Diverted OxyContin sales have increased in the Memphis, Tennessee area and the drug is considered somewhat available. Ecstasy sells for $5-$30 per pill. Although the primary user age is split between young adults and adolescents, emerging users are predominantly adolescents. Furthermore, those with high socioeconomic status are increasingly using the drug.

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.