California Drug Statistics

Due to the diverse culture and geography of California there are many extenuating factors that go into the states drug problems. Drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana are continuously smuggled in from Mexico; however, massive quantities of marijuana and methamphetamine are also produced and cultivated locally.

After September 11, 2001, greater importance has been placed on screening people and vehicles at border crossings into the state of California. The situation has forced drug smugglers to become more creative about getting illegal drugs into the state. Los Angeles, California is a major distribution point for all kinds of illegal drugs destined for other states. Heroin is the number one drug of choice in areas like San Francisco, while crack cocaine and methamphetamine continue to thrive in areas like Sacramento and Oakland.

Based on seizure statistics by United States Custom personnel, a majority of the cocaine which comes into California is being transported through the California/Mexico border. Cocaine is easily accessible in Los Angeles, which remains one of the biggest shipment and distribution centers in America.

Mexican black and brown tar heroin are seized at border patrols, but with far less frequency than other drugs. The amounts smuggled usually total five pounds or less in weight, though law enforcement officials do occasionally intercept larger shipments. Drug treatment statistics in the state report new heroin users regularly ingest large amounts of the drug and become quickly addicted, marking an increase in heroin demand.

While the state of California is concerned with cocaine and heroin, special emphasis is being placed on methamphetamines. Mexican methamphetamine trafficking organizations continue to dominate the landscape and distribute high-quality meth to mainly the Caucasian population. Meth labs can be located in any type of neighborhood, though in recent years strict government regulation of pseudoephedrine sales has resulted in a decrease of meth lab seizures in the state.

Other drug regularly encountered by California law enforcement officials include; MDMA, LSD, PCP, Vicodin, Valium, Vicoprofen, Codeine, Xanax, OxyContin, Promethazine, Lortab, anabolic steroids and Rohypnol. Marijuana remains the most widely used and abused illegal drug in the state of California, though there are medicinal marijuana clubs and hydroponic shops which advertise and sell marijuana seeds and seedlings for legal use.

It is important to note, because drug abuse is more common than people realize, that seeking treatment is does not have to be a daunting process. What a person can expect to encounter at a drug rehab center is a welcoming environment surrounded by peers, who have been where you are. The staff is there to help people with addictions through their journey to sobriety. Drug abuse is not something that happens to other people rather, it can happen to anyone at any age or societal status.

Most American adults have tried at least one drug at some point in their lives. Californians are no different. Teenage drug use has become more prominent than ever. It is important to understand that there is no shame in seeking help. If you believe that you or someone you know is addicted to drugs make the call to a drug and alcohol treatment center. The staff and experts are there to help overcome addictions.