Vermont

• The Drug Enforcement Administration reported a total of 15 drug violation arrests in the state of Vermont during 2001.

Drugs

• Cocaine: Cocaine is readily available in Vermont, and crack is increasingly available in the more populated areas of the Vermont. In 2001, powder cocaine sold for approximately $100 per gram and crack cocaine sold for $200 per gram.
• Heroin: Heroin is the primary drug threat to Vermont because it is increasingly available and the level of abuse is high and escalating rapidly. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of young heroin abusers in Vermont. The Vermont Drug Task Force reports that the price of a glassine bag (user dose) of heroin in Vermont ranged from $20 to $45 in 2001. Heroin purity in Vermont ranges between 55% and 60%.
• Marijuana: Marijuana is the most widely available and commonly abused illegal drug in Vermont. Marijuana prices reported in 2001 ranged from approximately $180 to $250 per ounce.
• Methamphetamine: Meth is not a significant problem in the state of Vermont.
• Club Drugs: Ecstasy appears to be increasingly available in Vermont. Until June 2001, MDMA possession was not a crime under Vermont State statute.
• Other Drugs: The most commonly diverted pharmaceutical substances in the state of Vermont are Vicodin, Fentanyl, oxycodone, Hydrocodone, methadone, Ritalin, Xanax and Diazepam. The abuse of OxyContin is of increasing concern to State and local law enforcement officials in several Vermont communities.

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.