Maine Drug Statistics Proof of a Widespread Drug Abuse

Maine drug statistics do not just affect the user of the drugs, but they also affect all of the people surrounding the drug user. Drugs have become a very big problem in the state of Maine and they have residents and local authorities concerned with the health and safety of the communities. There has actually been a significant rise in the amount of drugs available and being used recently in the state of Maine. Prescription narcotic drugs and meth in particular are a major concern in the state as the number of users rise to include residents of all ages including the youth members.

The number one drug source in Maine are the Mexican drug trafficking organizations. These criminals transport the drugs in through the highway systems, airplanes and boats. The drugs are then sold in large quantities to local dealers who in turn sell them to the residents of Maine. This is the primary reason for the high number of drug abusers in the state. Some drugs are produced locally and some such as prescription drugs are obtained through doctor shopping, robberies and other illegal activities.

Prescription narcotics are meant to be used as effective forms of pain treatment, anti-depressant and mood stabilizer. They are often prescribed by doctors to treat mental and physical ailments although, many people are increasingly taking advantage of these prescriptions and faking ailments in order to get them. Sad but true, most of the people taking advantage of these pills in Maine are the youth residents. This is because when not used as described or when there is not a real ailment present, there is only the high that they produce that is left. Reports tell that over 7% of the youth residents in Maine aged from 12 to 17 had used pain pills within a 12 month time period.

The use of pain pills poses a significant threat to the drug user as they are highly dangerous narcotic drugs. Even though these pills are legally obtained, those who are addicted to them often wind up performing acts of the illegal kind so that they can get the pills. These illegal acts include writing fake prescriptions and even robbing pharmacies. There are many prescription pill abusers who will turn to heroin and other hardcore drugs when the pills are not available and this is one thing that makes them so dangerous. This is not the only thing dangerous about them though. Maine drug statistics show a very high rate of pain pill use and the association with many overdose deaths in the state.

The following statistics were reported during the years 2003 and 2004 in Maine. Reports from the states head medical examiner told that of all the drug overdoses in the state, 94% of them were directly linked to the use of prescription narcotic abuse. Also, there were 18% of all drug enforcement busts involving prescription drugs and a further 21% of all attorney general arrests that had to do with the narcotics. Furthermore, admissions for prescription drug treatment services were 1,487 which was a number 3 times the amount as just 4 years prior to.

Because prescription pills are not illegal, many more people have access to them and are able to use them without feeling the need to seek addiction help. These pills in fact give a misconception of being safe because they are prescribed by professionals who know what they are doing. While this may be true, what the users dont realize is that they are mostly safe when used correctly but have deadly results when they are abused. Some pill abusers may find that they are too embarrassed to say that they are addicted to drugs because they dont want to be placed in that category of drug abuser. Some though, are just in denial of their addiction.

The use of meth is another significant problem in the state of Maine. There are some areas in the state that are worse than others but altogether, the entire state sees a high percentage of meth abusers. The majority of the meth found in Maine is made in local labs although it is sometimes transported in from places like Canada and Mexico. Maine drug statistics report that the most commonly seen meth abuser is caucasian and comes from the more rural areas of the state.

Meth is very addictive to anyone who uses it. It does not take much to grab hold of the user and rip their life apart either. Addiction can be present with the first use itself. Meth is not just a mentally addictive drug though, it is truly a physically addictive drug as well and hence the reason why it is so difficult to quit using. Horrible side effects like shaking, depression, headaches, fatigue and mood swings are associated with quitting the use of meth.

Drug addiction is not choosy, it does not pick and choose who it decides to make a victim. Even the young, weak and vulnerable become victims to drugs. Youth drug abuse is perhaps one of the largest concerns to the residents of Maine. Reports tell a tale of a sad story involving Maines youth population. In 2006, somewhere around 50% of the seniors said they had used marijuana at one point or another and somewhere around 14% said that they had drank alcohol or used drugs in the last 12 months. Additionally, at least 7% said they had sold illicit drugs in the communities.

These results are very disturbing and the fact is that they continue to rise as you are reading this. It is very important to know that if your child is found to be abusing drugs in the state of Maine, you can get help for him/ her immediately. This will help to ensure that they have a better chance of recovery from the drugs. Increased awareness along with the help of dedicated staff at drug treatment centers may just be the answer to reducing the numbers of drug abusers in Maine.