Drug addiction in Ruston

Located in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, Ruston is home to over 21,250 people (July 2009 estimates) and the Louisiana Tech University. A significant portion of the local population consists of college goers, as Ruston has many well renowned local educational institutions. The city also plays host to the Squire Creek Peach Festival held every year.

Rustons historic downtown district reflects the citys heritage, which dates back to the Civil War era. The area was restored and beautified by the Louisiana Department of Historic Preservation and the Louisiana Main Street Program, and the city now has over 15 places that have been included on the national heritage list.

Despite its unique charm and friendly populace, Ruston has its own bugbear in the form of substance abuse. Drug addiction in Ruston Lousiana is a growing social problem that is worrying many locals and law enforcement officials. The supply of narcotics, prescription drugs, and alcohol is prevalent in the city due to the large number of students, who make up a bulk of the local population owing to the local colleges here.

The average age of people in Ruston is just 24 years, and if we are to look at the 2005 National Drug Abuse Index for Louisiana, the maximum numbers of people in the state who abuse cocaine, marijuana, meth and heroin mostly fall in the age group of 21-25 years. However, alcoholism is most prevalent in those who fall in the age group of 41-45 years according to this index, so drug addiction is a problem that is affecting all demographics and needs to be addressed with an open mind.

Whether or not Ruston LA drug abuse statistics reflect the substance abuse statistics of the state as a whole, the point remains that the police and the local government have to remain diligent about the drug scenario in the city.

It has been observed that marijuana is the most widely abused drug in the city and the state, and often acts as the gateway drug for many students and young adults who believe experimentation is a rite of passage. The same can also be said about alcohol, which is a done deal in college parties and clubs and is dangerous when taken in excess and in tandem with illegal substances like party drugs.

Moreover, prescription drugs like Oxycontin and Xanax are also being used for recreational purposes in Ruston, as they are cheaper than illegal narcotics and are more readily available in pharmacies and drug stores. Prescription pills are also within the reach of many students, whose parents stock them in their homes to treat various health conditions. As such, parents have to make sure their children do not have undue access to these medications unless required.

In order to curb the growth and impact of substance abuse in the city, rehab centers in Ruston Louisiana have opened their doors to addicts by offering specialized treatment programs geared to address the ill effects of specific substances. Such facilities also offer guidance over the phone and encourage addicts to participate in extracurricular activities and workshops to keep them motivated enough to lead a healthy life ahead.