Wisconsin

• The Drug Enforcement Administration reported 280 drug violation arrests in Wisconsin during 2001.
• From 1999 to 2000, drug related arrests increased 7.2% in Wisconsin.

Drugs

• Cocaine: Powder and crack cocaine are both widely available in Wisconsin. The DEA in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the DEA in Madison report that cocaine is readily available in multi-kilogram quantities. DEA Green Bay, Wisconsin reports that cocaine is readily available in multi-ounce to kilogram quantities. During the first quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2002, cocaine sold throughout the state for $50 to $125 per gram, $750 to $1,500 per ounce, and $20,000 to $28,000 per kilogram. Crack cocaine sold for $10 to $100 per rock, with the highest prices reported in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
• Heroin: The majority of heroin use in the state of Wisconsin is concentrated in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Racine areas of the state. Heroin purity levels have measured as high as 95 percent, giving users the option of snorting the drug rather than injecting, an option that may appeal to younger users. For the first quarter of FY 2002, heroin sold for approximately $100 to $300 per gram and $2,000 to $4,000 per ounce.
• Marijuana: Marijuana is widely available throughout Wisconsin. Marijuana produced in Mexico is the dominant type; locally produced marijuana is available to a lesser extent. Cannabis is cultivated outdoors and indoors throughout Wisconsin. Marijuana is typically sold in open-air markets, public housing projects, and private residences. During the first quarter of FY 2002, marijuana sold throughout the state for approximately $50 to $210 per ounce and $500 to $1,650 per pound for both Mexican and locally produced marijuana.
• Methamphetamine: Meth abuse poses an increasingly serious threat with its availability increasing in Wisconsin. Methamphetamine produced in Mexico, California, and southwestern states is available throughout Wisconsin. For the first quarter of FY 2002, meth sold for $80 to $125 per gram and $700 to $1,500 per ounce.
• Club Drugs: MDMA, GHB, and LSD pose an increasing threat in the state primarily to teenagers and young adults at raves and dance clubs.
• Other Drugs: The use of diverted controlled substances in Wisconsin continues to be a concern. The most commonly diverted controlled substances from the licit market are nubain, dilaudid, Ritalin, Vicodin (Hydrocodone), OxyContin, codeine combination products, benzodiazepines, and the anorectic drugs phentermine and phendimetrazie.

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.