Fort Smith AR Narcotic Abuse Statistics

Fort Smith boasts to be the second largest city in the State of Arkansas. It is the county seat of the Sebastian County. The city has a population of approximately 80,268, according to the 2000 census. Drug abuse statistics in Fort Smith Arkansas are quite upsetting.

The city lies on the state border of Arkansas-Oklahoma and is situated at the very junction of Poteau and Arkansas Rivers, better known as the Belle Point.

Drug addiction in Fort Smith AR is fairly common, quite similar to the other cities of Arkansas. There are a number of people, young as well as adult, affected by substance abuse in Fort Smith AR. The results of a study conducted in 2001 by the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse and Addiction disclosed millions of Americans have been habitually drinking alcohol, smoking, and taking shots of cocaine. In fact, there is widespread prescription drug abuse, which has resulted in the death of many people. The study also revealed that over 4.6 million people in Arkansas seek medical assistance for drug abuse, which is quite a remarkable number and has been on the rise.

Drugs are basically pain killers. They often seem to ward off physical and emotional strain by providing temporary illusion for the user. When this becomes dependence, drug abuse is obvious.

Drug abuse in Fort Smith is fairly common today, with some of the common drugs being Ambeine, Ativan, Codeine, Demerol, and Lortab.

Ambient is basically a Schedule IV controlled drug available in tablet form. Although it is a low potential drug for abuse, dependence on this drug can lead to severe complications. It is more of a sleep aid that forms addiction over time. Individuals having a history of substance abuse or drug addiction increase the risk of habituation with Ambien.

Ativan is a highly potential additive drug. It can cause physical as well as psychological addiction. Individuals tend to develop a certain level of dependence on the drug as it produces good feelings. The feeling of reward is so good that it might lead to craving for the drug. Ativan consumption can lead to impaired memory functions, memory loss, and acute amnesia.

Codeine is a prescribed drug that often leads to addiction. It is one of the widely abused drugs in Fort Smith. Often used as an analgesic, codeine helps alleviate pain. Although experts believe that the use of Codeine is actually safe, it is often compulsive and uncontrollable when abused.

Demerol is a drug that leads to addiction when used over a long period of time. Abuse of Demerol can create tolerance for the drug, which results in dependence and weakness. Abuse can lead to weaker muscles, low blood pressure levels, slower heartbeat, and troubled breathing.

Lortab is a commonly used narcotic analgesic and cough reliever that alleviates pain. The abuse of Lortab can lead to addiction, irritability, intense drug cravings, sweating, diarrhea, and fever. Abuse of this drug leads to hearing impairment, itching, fear, restlessness, mood swings, and other related symptoms.

It is very important to understand what drug abuse is and what its consequences are. Combined treatments with therapies and medications can help the addict recover from addiction.