Drug Addiction Statistics in Monroe

Monroe is located in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, and has a population of 54,208 as per the 2007 nationwide census. It is the 8^th largest city in the state and was named after the fifth president of the USA, James Monroe.

African Americans make up the largest demographic in Monroe, and its unique culture and heritage make it a must-see place to visit. With its numerous museums and the oldest municipally-owned transit system in the country, Monroe has a lot to offer to avid history lovers. However, this picturesque locale also suffers from a problem that is fast becoming prevalent in all American cities- and that is the drug addiction and alcoholism in Monroe Louisiana is also fast becoming a menace that need to be curbed before it blows up to be something out of hand.

Since Monroe is served by numerous highways and two major railroads, it becomes a transit point for many drug traffickers who enter the city to manage the wholesale and retail trade of narcotics. Additionally, drugs that are shipped into New Orleans by Central and Latin American drug traffickers find their way all too easily to the local society via the developed highways that lead to this city. This only adds to the burgeoning problem of Louisiana fast becoming a drug hub in the United States.

Due to its extensive waterways and canals, Louisiana is a quintessential target for Mexican drug cartels, who exploit the transportation network here to supply drugs to the cities of Shreveport and Baton Rouge, after which the narcotics find their way to Monroe and add to the drug addiction instances in this city. Heroin and alcoholism in particular have many takers in youngsters and adults who take to these highly addictive substances to either experiment or cope with peer pressure, stress, depression, and anxiety.

Crack cocaine and meth have typically been widely abused drugs here, though meth is fast overtaking cocaine as a popular recreational drug due to its lower cost of production and the ease with which it is manufactured. The ingredients used in meth are easily available in drug stores and pharmacies, and this has caused the upsurge in meth labs across the city.

Many meth labs are set up in peoples own homes and backyards, and this makes it difficult for the law enforcement officials to track down residential meth production. However, public awareness and societal participation in outreach programs have resulted in the set up of many Monroe LA rehab facilities which seek to help drug addicts overcome their dependence on narcotics.

More than 15% of all instance of drug addiction in Monroe Louisiana include heroin as the concerned drug. In fact, an individual carrying over 100 grams of the drug on his/her person is liable to pay a fine of $5000 and be subject to at least a 4 year prison term and 10 years hard labor as per state law.

If you or a loved one has fallen prey to substance abuse in Monroe, do contact a nearby rehab center immediately to avail of physical and psychological treatment. Many treatment programs focus on detoxification and extracurricular activities as well to help an addict overcome his/her dependence on illegal substances- for good.