Substance Abuse in Huntsville

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 these problems are related to alcoholism and drug addiction.

In 2007, this city was witness to about 730 incidents involving drivers driving under influence. Unfortunately, the flow of drugs due to drug trafficking and abuse has increased within the city limits in the recent years. The trend of substance abuse in Huntsville AL shows an increase in the import of marijuana in the city. In fact, the authorities are recovering about 50 to 100 pounds of marijuana, almost at regular intervals.

Like any other part of Alabama, Huntsville, too, has a large number of marijuana users. According to a survey in 2007, there were about 7,635 marijuana users in this city. Huntsville AL drug abuse cases have also shown the vulnerability of its young population. Although it is not yet confirmed at what age one takes up drugs, it is a proven fact that teenagers are prone to experimenting with various kinds of drugs.

Although most of these cases happen either due to curiosity or peer pressure, a casual snort can turn into a serious addiction at a later stage. According to some studies, marijuana is the most common and widely used drug in the world, and at least 76% of the people all over the globe fall victim to this particular drug. No wonder that drug abuse statistics in Huntsville Alabama also reflect the same trend.

As if taking marijuana was not enough, about 3,343 people in Huntsville are also trying various prescription drugs. Though the drug abuse statistics in Huntsville AL do not state any particular kind of prescribed drugs in use, various Hydrocodone drugs have a huge market all over the State of Alabama. In Huntsville too, there are buyers who choose the prescription drugs of this particular group.

A look at the list of drug abuse statistics in Huntsville Alabama also discloses the fact that this city has a good number of cocaine and hallucinogen users. There are about 1251 cocaine users in Huntsville, whereas the number of hallucinogen users is around 567. In 2007, the police rounded up about 963 people in drug related charges. Such huge number of arrests shows how serious the drug abuse issue in Huntsville is.

People involved in drug abuse in Huntsville also show a liking for inhalants. There are about 318 people who have used some form of inhalants. But overall this city has much less number of heroin users. In fact, the use of heroine has decreased significantly all over the US. But the increase in prescription drug abuse has almost made up for that market. However, the government is taking steps by establishing various help and rehabilitation centers all over the city, which help the drug abuse victims renounce the habit.