Alcoholism and Drug Addiction in Tuscaloosa

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, these days, the authorities are having sleepless nights over the rise in the rate of alcoholism and drug addiction in Tuscaloosa Alabama. The DEA has set up regional enforcement teams in various areas of the Tuscaloosa County, including this city. The police arrested 474 persons on charges of drug trade in 2007 and booked many for Driving Under Influence (DUI).

The data on substance abuse in Tuscaloosa draws a grave picture. About 3,759 people are addicted to marijuana and 1,646 to prescription drugs. The number of heroin and cocaine users is about 34 and 616, respectively. However, compared to cities, such as Mobile and Montgomery in Alabama, Tuscaloosa has a lesser number of heroin addicts. Still, there are enough people who take hallucinogens and inhalants quite often, and this fact leaves no room to rejoice over the number of heroin addicts. In short, the overall scenario of drug addiction in Tuscaloosa AL is quite bad.

The situation is also worrisome because the increasing number of substance abuse cases will only deteriorate the law and order of the city. It is proven that, in many cases, the motive behind a robbery or a theft is linked directly to drug addiction. Drug addicts get involved in this kind of criminal activities to get money for buying drugs. It is the desperate craving for drugs that makes them commit violent crimes.

In this scenario, it is also ominous that drug addicts can get their hand on pure heroin at a much cheaper rate. That is why DEA and other law and order machineries are proving ineffective to prevent the rise in heroin trafficking.

The rampant alcoholism, too, has not made things easier for the police in Tuscaloosa. Many times, fatal accidents have happened due to drunk-driving. Even coast guard reports show that people often drive boats in an inebriated state. That is why the authorities are conducting boating safety classes to address the problem. In these classes, in addition to teaching driving rules, boating enthusiasts are warned about the danger of drunk-driving and DUI.

According to a study, in 2005, Alabama had 246,000 people addicted to alcoholism. As far as drug addiction is concerned, this number was 113,000. But the unfortunate fact is that about 229,000 alcohol addicts and 92,000 drug addicts never got any treatments or rehabilitation. The states picture somewhat reflects the seriousness of the issue in Tuscaloosa.

It is impossible to tackle such a huge number of patients without the sympathy and help from the society. Tuscaloosa has its share of rehab centers, but to solve the problem of alcoholism and drug addiction in Tuscaloosa, it is important that citizens are also ready to help those who desperately need it.