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Substance Abuse in Alabama
Alabama has seen many ups and downs in its economical history. Its agriculture suffered a lot due to the American Civil War and the World War II. However, soon after the war, the state discovered new ways of economical progress, and it is now one of the major states of the US.
Situated in the southeastern part of the country, Alabama has a population of 4,661,900 inhabitants at last count, and is surrounded by Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico. The state capital is Montgomery, while Mobile is the oldest city, with the most populated urban area being Birmingham.
However, the prosperity of this state is overshadowed by the ever increasing drug trafficking and drug addiction cases. Substance abuse in Alabama has now become a dangerous phenomenon that requires immediate attention.
If we take a look at the 2007 records, Alabama has recorded approximately 21,242 DUI cases. In the same year, about 252 people died while driving in an inebriated state. The count of people who get arrested due to various drug related charges is also increasing. In 2007, the police made about 28,017 such arrests. In 2006, the number was not more than 20,000. This whopping rise in addiction statistics in Alabama only underlines the risk that looms large on the state and its young population.
The geographical location of Alabama has also contributed to the rise of the narcotics trade. A major quantity of marijuana that enters the state comes from Mexico, and Alabama’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes such transportation even easier. This state has about 221,939 people who use marijuana in some form or the other, and almost all its major cities have a significant number of marijuana users.
In 2004, the authorities seized about 1,075.5 kilograms of marijuana. Mobile alone has a recorded official count of 9,599 weed users. In the state capital Montgomery, the number is 9,727. Such statistics include both juveniles and adults. In 2006, the authorities arrested about 909 juveniles and 8,430 adults for possessing marijuana.
Heroin too is quite easily available in Alabama. As per narcotics abuse statistics in Alabama, most of this drug comes in from Jamaica, but there are also instances where this substance has been traced back to New York. Overall, Alabama has a recorded 2,060 heroin addicts.
Alabama also has a large number of prescription drug users. There are some prescription drugs that are more widely used among addicts- OxyContin being one of them. Like marijuana, these drugs too are widely available all over the state. There are about 97,191 people who abuse prescription or pharmaceutical drugs, second only second to that of marijuana users. The sale of Vicodin has also risen in recent times, and it’s noted that Dilauded too has a good customer base in the state.
The record of drug addiction in Alabama also includes a large number of cocaine and hallucinogen users. Officially, the state has about 36,369 cocaine users and 16,505 hallucinogen users. In 2006, police arrested about 4,834 people, including both juvenile and adults, for opium and cocaine possession.
The most preferred hallucinogen in the state is LSD, which is sold near various colleges with enough impunity. Alabama has 9,271 inhalant users and a rising number of alcoholism is also reported. All these figures are enough for putting the image of the state in jeopardy.
The rise in substance abuse in Alabama has also increased the crime level in the state. In fact, the state has earned the dubious distinction of being ranked number 21 in respect to the violent crime rate. This increasing crime rate is putting a pressure on law enforcers here. It is believed that curbing the instances of alcoholism, drug addiction and drug trafficking will definitely bring down the crime rate in Alabama.
The involvement of juveniles, especially that of high-school students in drug related crimes in Alabama has worried authorities and educationists. There are about 33.3% high-school students in Alabama who are marijuana users, while about 10% of 12th graders are into cocaine abuse. Among these, about 25.7% to 33.3% are female.
The recorded numbers of substance abuse in Alabama, US call for immediate action and rehabilitation for addicts, and this is why many rehabilitation centers are being established in various cities here. Cities like Hoover, Dothan, Montgomery, Alabaster, Mobile, and Huntsville have rehab centers that offer a wide variety of treatment and rehab programs. Some cities like Decatur have come up with community initiatives where one community will connect with another one to help victims.
At a time when various club drugs have gained popularity among youngsters, these initiatives will also help people talk about the ill-effects of drug abuse. In many cities of Alabama, drugs like GHB, ketamine and MDMA are crippling young minds. GHB overdose is also killing many young people all over the state. In fact, such reports are also coming in from cities like Dothan, Mobile, Huntsville, and Auburn. This shows that the society and government has their work cut out. They do not have a choice but get ready for a long and difficult fight against drug trafficking.
Sealing the Alabama borders can help prevent drug trafficking, but at the same time, love and care should be shown to those who have a history of drug abuse. Let us not forget that there were about 92,000 drug addicts who did not get rehabilitation and treatment in the past. The drug organizations are powerful enough, and there is no way they would let go of such a lucrative market. Open discussion with young people may help them understand how mere experimentation with drugs can lead to addition. Without this awareness, the demand for drugs cannot be curbed.
It is also important to make people realize how substance abuse in Alabama is creating monitory loss for the state, as drug addicts contribute to the loss of valuable workforce for any organization. If you take a look at the correction centers in Alabama, you will see that about 18.7% of the population is behind bars for drug related charges. Hence, everyone should unite in an attempt to stop this waste of human resources.
Mobile is one of the most populated cities in Alabama. It is a part of the Mobile County and is known for its ports. That is the reason why the City of Mobile is often called the Port City. But behind its prosperity lurks the menacing trend of drug addiction and substance abuse. In fact, drug ...
Located within Autauga and Elmore, Prattville is more commonly known as the Fountain City. This Alabama city is also the county seat of Autauga County. Apart from offering a good standard of living to its residents, Prattville is a popular golf destination and boasts the Capitol Hill course, ...
Hoover is a city situated in the Jefferson County in the state of Alabama. With a population of about 71,020, this is quite a prosperous suburb of the Birmingham - Hoover Metropolitan area. This city is situated in a county that has its share of drug abuse cases. Jefferson has a large number of ...
Located within Shelby County, Alabaster is a sprawling suburban area in the southern part of downtown Birmingham. This city offers a good standard of living to its residents, who enjoy easy access to almost all the basic amenities of life. Alabaster has also experienced a high growth rate in the ...
Tuscaloosa is a city in the County of Tuscaloosa Alabama. This is the city that houses the well-known University of Alabama. According to the 2008 census, this city had a population of 90,221. It is reputed for its libraries and cultural places. This city boasts a vibrant nightlife. However, ...
The City of Madison is located in Limestone and Madison counties. The city, a major suburb, had a population of no less than 38,714 as on 1 July 2008. Along with its emerging economy, Madison has its share of law and order problems. Law and order has worsened due to the presence of drug addiction ...
The City of Anniston is in Calhoun County, whose population was 23,662 as on 1 July 2008. This city is Calhoun Countys county seat and was praised for its careful planning by Henry W. Grady a popular Atlanta newspaperman, who dubbed it as the Model City. People belonging to various races, such ...
Dothan is a strategically located city that can be easily entered through Georgia or Florida. According to the 2008 census, there were about 66,505 people residing in this city. Dothan is an important city but has its share of criminal activities too. The rising drug abuse statistics in Dothan ...
Opelika is a principal city of the Auburn Opelika Metropolitan area, situated in Lee County, geographically located in the central-eastern part of Alabama. Despite its rich heritage, Opelika readily embraces modern technology and the novelties of the new millennium, which make it a truly ...
Situated in the foothills of Oak Mountain, Pelham is one of the fastest growing cities in Alabama. With an estimated population of 21,266, it is a wonderful place to visit, thanks to its natural scenery. The citys racial makeup consists of people who are White, Native American, Black or African ...
Touted as Alabamas largest city, Birmingham has rapidly developed from being primarily an industrial site to a full-grown metropolitan. The population of Birmingham is 228,798. However, despite being an important business center and seat of several educational institutions, Birmingham is ...
Auburn, the largest city in the eastern part of Alabama, has a population of about 56,088. As far as development is concerned, this city has seen rapid growth and hopes to sustain the progress in the future. But drug addiction in Auburn often plays the real spoilsport. It threatens the law and ...
Located at the foothills of the Appalachians, Gadsden - the county seat of Etowah County in the State of Alabama, is a beautiful city. Adorned with mountains, lakes, and natural scenery, Gadsden is a perfect place to reside, grow, and retire. Residents here have easy access to almost all basic ...
Homewood is a Birmingham suburb located in Jefferson County in the southeastern part of Alabama. The City of Homewood had a population of 23,840 as on 1 July 2008 and was once known as the most populated place in Alabama. Like most cities and counties in Alabama, the City of Homewood is also ...
Prichard is a small city in Mobile County on the borders of its northern part, along with bordering suburbs, such as Chickasaw, Saraland, and the not integrated portions of Eight Mile, Alabama. Prichard is considered a developed city today, which is also known for the upcoming Alabama ...
Drug abuse is one of the major problems plaguing almost every city and county of the United States. The State of Alabama, too, has not been able to avoid the ghastly phenomenon. Montgomery, the state capital, sees a large number of people falling victim to drug abuse. A significant number of ...
The City of Enterprise is situated in the southeastern side of Dale and Coffee Counties in the State of Alabama and is famous for its Boll Weevil Movement, which signified the advent of agriculture in the city, helping it move toward prosperity. Enterprise is regarded as one of the best places to ...
Huntsville is a city in the Madison County having a population of 17,6645. This city is the county seat and has the distinction of being as one of Americas Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2010. But unfortunately, this city has its share of law and order problems, and a significant number of ...
The City of Northport is in Alabamas Tuscaloosa County, which had an estimated population of 23,118 as on 1 July 2008. Known for its cultural activities, such as exhibitions at art galleries, theatrical productions, and orchestral performances, Northport has indeed a warm hometown hospitality ...
Florence is the county seat of Lauderdale County and lies in the State of Alabama. A popular tourist destination, this city holds annual popular tourist events, such as W.C. Handy Music Festival in summer season and also the Renaissance Faire, which takes place during autumn. Florence offers a ...
Bessemer is a small Birmingham suburb situated in Jefferson County, Alabama, which was earlier known for its mining as well as steel building plants. It is interesting to note that the suburb was originally known as Brooklyn but was renamed Bessemer after Sir Henry Bessemer, the British ...
Phenix is a city that lies in the in State of Alabama. Though a major part of the city is located in the Russell County, some part of Lee County is also known as Phenix City. Its proximity to a larger city like Columbus in Georgia has added to its importance. Phenix offers its residents a good ...
Athens, located in Limestone County, is known as a city of splendor, largely because of its willingness to diversify into various arenas and offer a range of opportunities to its residents. Originally known for its thrust on agriculture, Athens today attracts all major industries and is also ...
Decatur is a city situated in Limestone and Morgan Counties of Alabama. It is located in the vicinity of Wheeler Lake. It is also the county seat of Morgan County. The city has a population of about 56,068. However, for a long time, this city has also become a safe haven for drug paddlers. Many ...
Located within both Jefferson and Shelby Counties, Vestavia is a well-known suburban area within the State of Alabama. This city is mostly known for its upscale school and education system. The school system in Vestavia, Alabama is even recognized by the Wall Street Journal. Vestavia High School ...
