Alaska Drug Statistics

Drug addiction is a disease that takes over every aspect of a person’s life. The consequences are devastating and the results are always negative. The world of addiction is dangerous, depressing and dark as a person struggles with feelings of ineptness, shame and guilt. Many times an addict does not know where to turn for help and the cycle is perpetuated and worsens over time.

The world of drug trafficking is alive and well in Alaska, due to the location and sharing a border with Canada, drugs are easily shipped into and out of the state. Cocaine is the most common drug found and is easily found all over the state. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, though the rate of methamphetamine labs has decreased, importation still currently continues at a high rate.

There are various organizations involved in the trafficking of illicit drugs into Alaska; crack cocaine continues to be one of the largest threats to the state. The drug trafficking organizations receive cocaine via shipment from other states and sell the drugs at a higher rate due to Alaska’s isolated location.

Methamphetamine or simply “meth,” is available in two forms in Alaska, meth which is locally produced and meth that is imported into the state. Heroin also continues to be imported and distributed in Alaska and comes in three types; Southeast Asian, Columbian and Mexican.

Other drugs found in Alaska include club drugs Ecstasy, LSD, marijuana, GHB and pharmaceuticals. Between January of 2003 and January of 2007, the drug violations and arrest rates in Alaska went from 97 and decreased to 69.

Even though drug abuse is very common in the United States, there is still some hesitation and embarrassment when an addict decides he or she is ready to make that call. There is no reason to feel ashamed, the staff and experts at treatment centers will not be shocked, rather they will welcome you and help you to feel comfortable with your decision to call. When you arrive you will be with people who are or were in the same position as you are. The staff is there to help you with your addiction, not to make you feel uncomfortable. Drug addiction is not something that happens to other people, it can happen to anyone, no matter who you are.

In the United States, most adults have tried have tried drugs at one point in their lives. Because Alaska is no exception, you should know that you have no reason to feel shame when seeking help. Teenagers are not immune to drug and alcohol addiction, in fact it is worse than ever. If you think that you or someone you know has a problem with drugs or alcohol, do not hesitate to call a drug and alcohol treatment center. Asking for help with an addiction is nothing to be ashamed of, and the sooner you call, the sooner you can overcome your addiction.