Chula Vista Drug Abuse Statistics

Chula Vista, CA derives its name from the Spanish term meaning beautiful view. The city got this name because of the scenic locations one can marvel at, all the way from San Diego Bay to the foothills of Californias coastal mountains.

As the 7^th largest city in Southern California, Chula Vista has an estimated population of 219,318. Since the city is located a few miles from the Mexican border, drug trafficking in Chula Vista is a serious issue. The citys drug abuse statistics are a little worrisome, and police authorities have to make an extra effort to check drug trafficking across the border. Apart from these external factors, narcotics control authorities have to deal with the internal production of illegal drugs as well. In recent years, police authorities have arrested scores of people on charges of illegal drug possession.

Apart from illegal drugs, prescription drugs are also becoming popular among Chula Vistas youth. The worst thing about prescription drugs is that they are easily available in the streets. Most students are exposed to prescription drugs through their friends, clubs and gang members. Young boys and girls think prescription drugs are safer than their counterparts.

Without knowing about the harmful effects of these drugs, they tend to use prescription drugs to lose weight and gain short term excitement and pleasure. Young teens gain easier access to these drugs when a family member is prescribed with the same. Parents, educators and police authorities hence have to be extremely vigilant to see if these medications are being used by someone for illegal purposes.

In the year 1992, Chula Vista Police Activities League (PAL) was formed to organize various activities for the youth. These steps were taken into consideration because of the fact that drug abuse and alcoholism in Chula Vista was growing over and above the safety threshold. The PAL interacts with kids and teenage students of the community to help them make informed decisions in life. These activities have been extremely useful in educating the young population about the evils of drug abuse. It is through intellectual, social and physical development of the youth that social evils like Chula Vistas substance abuse can be completely eradicated.

An addict can seldom gauge when his/her addiction threshold has been crossed. It is only through physical symptoms and gradual brain dysfunction that an addict is subject to the repercussions of drug abuse. However, despite harmful consequences, addicts continue to use drugs compulsively. Near and dear ones of the addict should contact local rehab facilities as soon as possible, as they can ensure the complete prevention of further drug intake on part of the addict.

As far as medical consequences are concerned, bodily damages depend upon the duration of addiction and type of the drug. Crack, for example, is far more dangerous than cocaine. Marijuana cases are reported in large numbers every year, but it is far less dangerous than hard drugs like heroin, meth, cocaine and prescription drugs. OxyContin is fast becoming the most popular illegal drug in the United States, and Chula Vista is no different.