Arizona Drug Statistics

The state of Arizona lies directly north of Sonora, Mexico which is a major drug trafficking location. In recent years, there has been an upsurge in violence associated with drug smuggling. Arizona lies along a 350-mile border shared with Mexico and has three entry ports, as well as three secondary entry ports which makes drug trafficking ideal. Most of the Arizona/Mexico border consists of barren desert and mountain regions which have limited populations and lack proper law enforcement, so drugs can be easily transported under the radar.

Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona are the major shipment points for cocaine being smuggled in from the borders. The cocaine is shipped to Mexico by plane, ships and land from Columbia; from there it gets transported into the United States through Arizona. Cocaine is normally shipped via cargo van, commercial trucks, or animal transport vehicles and by backpackers who carry limited quantities in case of interception by law enforcement officials.

Heroin or Mexican black tar is the most common type of heroin intercepted in Arizona. The drug is smuggled into the state by people or hidden inside of vehicles. Though heroin is the least of all drugs abused in the state, availability is on the rise as the demands increase. Methamphetamine, whether produced locally or transported in from Mexico is another drug that is predominant in the state of Arizona and law enforcement statistics show a marked increase in distribution and manufacturing. The state serves as a major distribution hub which supplies the drug to the entire Midwestern United States. Other drugs seized by Arizona law enforcement officials include; marijuana, Oxycontin, Percocet, Xanax, Methadone, Ultram and Nubain.

Even though drug abuse is common in the United States, people who are ready to seek help still feel embarrassment when making the initial call to a drug rehab center. There is no reason to feel this way, as the experts and staff at the centers are there to help you. You will be welcomed into the community of the rehab center by people who have been in the same type of situation, whether beginning or ending their journey into sober living. Staff members do not view drug use as something that happens to other people. They know that drug use can affect anyone, no matter your income or age or race.

Statistically, most American adults have tried a drug at least once or twice in their lives, and Arizona residents are no different. Teenage statistics are no better; in fact they are continually getting worse. It is very important for addicts who are ready to seek help, to realize there is no shame. And if you think that you or a loved one has a problem with drug addiction, make the call to a drug treatment center. You will be able to speak to experts who can help you realize that there is no shame in seeking treatment and that this is something that they are trained to help you or your loved one overcome.