Pennsylvania Drug Statistics and Facts

• In 2002, Heroin related treatment admissions represented 36% of all admissions in the state, higher than for any other illegal drug, in Pennsylvania.
• Cocaine is the main drug threat in Pennsylvania based on its high level of abuse, immediate availability, widespread distribution, and relationship with violence.
• Both powdered Cocaine and Crack, also poses a serious drug menace to Pennsylvania, as it is easily available, frequently abused, and often associated with violent crime.
• According to a 2009-2010 survey, 4% of Pennsylvania teens between the ages of 12 and 17 that needed treatment for alcohol and illicit drug use did not receive treatment. The national percentage was also the same
• Rates of the past year alcohol dependence, in Pennsylvania, have also been at or under the national rates and in 2005 to 2006 were within the lowest in the country for the age 12 and older.
• Drug abuse violation arrests have increased over time, in Pennsylvania. In 1990, they represented 6% of all arrests and 8% of offense arrests.
• By 2007, drug abuse violations comprised 12% of all arrests and 15% of all offense arrests, in Pennsylvania.
• The type of drug abuse violation arrests has shifted over time in Pennsylvania. During 2007, more than 65% of arrests were for drug possession charges.
• During 2007, there were 59,198 arrests for drug abuse violations, in Pennsylvania. That figure represents a nearly 5% increase from 2006.
• During 2007, for every 100,000 Pennsylvania residents, there were 476.1 arrests for drug abuse violations
• In 2007, Pennsylvanias arrest rate for drug abuse violations was lower than the nations and northeast regions rates.
• Lifetime dominance of alcohol use ranges from a low of 23.9 percent for 6th graders to a high of 78.4 percent for high school seniors. Overall, 55.4 percent of Pennsylvania students have used alcohol at least once in their lifetimes.
• According to the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, the number of treatment centers in Pennsylvania has decreased from 488 in 2002, to 446 in 2006.
• Lifetime prevalence of Cocaine abuse ranges from a low of 0.3 percent for 6th graders to a high of 5.7 percent for high school seniors. Overall, 2.5 percent of Pennsylvania students have used Cocaine at least once in their lifetimes.
• From 2004 to 2005, 256,000 Pennsylvania residents reported using cocaine, 2.46 percent of the Pennsylvania population.
• In 2010, 3,679 Pennsylvania residents were admitted for smoking Cocaine and 1,815 received addiction treatment for Cocaine use other than smoking it.
• 2010 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration studies indicate that 11,300 Pennsylvania residents were admitted for Heroin addiction treatment, with another drug.
• Marijuana was the 2nd most named drug of choice for those who entered treatment. From 2004 to 2005, 10.96 percent of the Pennsylvania population reported using marijuana. 10,493 residents in 2009 were admitted to drug treatment for Marijuana dependence.
• Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Pseudoephedrine and Hydrocodone continue to be a problem in Pennsylvania. 256,000 Pennsylvania residents reported using prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes. 6,725 Pennsylvanians entered treatment for Opiate addictions other than Heroin.
• There were about 1,700 Pennsylvania residents that went to drug addiction treatment for LSD, and amphetamines other hallucinogens, tranquilizers, inhalants, etc., in 2010.