Drug Abuse and Addiction in Connecticut

Because Connecticut is so close to New York drugs are very common, and easily acquired. Among the most popular are heroin, cocaine (powder) and crack. Connecticut is frequently used to pass drugs to other states in the northeast, and the rest of the United States. With Interstate 95 running through most of the state and going up through New York City and Boston, Connecticut is a central hub for trafficking of illicit drugs.

Cocaine, which is one of the most common used in the state was until recently brought in from New York. Now however, there is more availability and less expensive than the cocaine which was brought in from New York. This has made it more available resulting in more use of the drug. Street level distribution is most common via Puerto Ricans and African Americans.

While cocaine is one of the most common used in the state of Connecticut, heroin is also in high demand and is now one of the biggest threats in the state. The drug is found in Connecticut in a pure and inexpensive form, and rather than injections, it is snorted and smoked.

Meth, club drugs, pharmaceuticals and marijuana are among some of the other drugs found in usage in the state. PCP is also found being transported from the southwestern states into New York City. Unfortunately there are now PCP labs being found in Connecticut, and PCP laced with marijuana is now becoming a more common drug.

Among the pharmaceutical drugs used are oxycontin, vicodin, hydocodone, methadone, ritalin, xanax and diazepam, and 80% of these drugs that are sold on the street are obtained through doctor shopping, mail theft and medicine cabinet thefts. Most users also report that the first time they used these drugs were obtained through the above stated methods.

Drug abuse is a common occurrence in our society and the staff at drug and alcohol treatment centers know this, and will not be surprised or shocked when you decide to make the call to get help. What you will encounter instead is a welcoming environment, with people who have been where you are, and people who want to help you. They understand that drug and alcohol abuse is not a “thing” that happens to someone else; it is something that can affect anyone at any age, race, sex or social status.

Statistics show that most adult Americans have tried some type of illicit drug in their lives, perhaps more than once. Teenage and young adult statistics are even more startling. Connecticut residents are not immune to this. The most important thing is to realize that you should not feel ashamed when you are ready to make the call to a drug and alcohol treatment center. If you feel that you or someone you know may have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, do not hesitate to make the call to a rehab center. The experts are there to help you overcome the addiction. Substance abuse is not something to be ashamed of and can be defeated.