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Alcoholism and Drug Addiction in Missouri
The state of Missouri is situated in the Midwestern part of the US. According to the 2009 census, the state population is 5,987,580, and that figure has put it in the 18th spot in the list of most populous US states. As the name suggests, it is through this state that the Missouri River flows. Missouri is also known by the nickname of “Show-Me State”. The state economy is benefited by the growth of various industries that include but are not limited to transportation equipment, chemicals, printing and publishing, and food processing. But amidst all this prosperity, there are the dark shadows of alcoholism and drug addiction in Missouri.
A great number of Missouri’s population is under the grip of regular drug usage. Be it the old or the young, children or teenagers, the intoxicating effect of drugs seem to have engulfed everyone. The state gets abundant supply of Marijuana, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Heroin and various prescription drugs. A closer inspection of the data available on substance abuse in Missouri uncovers some spine chilling facts.
Marijuana
It would not be inaccurate to call Missouri the haven of Marijuana users. There are about 281,957 people in this state who buy and use this drug on a daily basis. Marijuana factories operate both in the rural and the urban areas. This drug is more popular among students and teenagers. If one takes a look at the drug abuse statistics in Missouri, US, then it becomes clear that since 2004, the use of Marijuana is increasing quite steadily. About 45% percent of 12th graders are using this drug since childhood. In fact, the state capital - Jefferson City, has about 1,895 Marijuana abusers.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs are the second most popular source of intoxication in Missouri after Marijuana. Right now, the state has 123,474 prescription drug users. If we check the numbers city wise, then they would read 1,995 in Columbia and 1,138 in Blue Springs. This definitely looks like a trend that spreads across the complete stretch of Missouri. The most abused drugs are Barbiturates, Vicodin, Codeine, Ritalin, Adderall, and Alprazolam. While some of the prescription drugs are painkillers, some others work as anti-depressants. Careless usage of these medicines may lead to fatal reaction. The situation warrants serious attention as there are several 12 year olds who indulge in such abuse of prescription drugs.
Cocaine
Missouri also has a significant number of Cocaine users. According to an estimate, the number was 46,204 in 2007. This number too is far from decreasing. Every year, the state’s crime laboratory processes a large percentage of Cocaine related cases. In this grand total, cities like Columbia and Jefferson City have contributions of 746 and 310 users respectively. After Marijuana, it is Cocaine that is the most popular drug among students, and a good percentage of them are 12th graders. In 2008, the DEA confiscated about 257.9 kilograms of Cocaine from various sources.
Methamphetamine
There are many laboratories in various cities of Missouri that manufacture Methamphetamine. It is believed that the major concentration of this drug is in the eastern parts of the state. However, the increase in local factories is making things more difficult for the authorities. In the western part of Missouri, the crystal Methamphetamine has found its popularity. Most of the Meth consignments come from Mexico or other US states like California. Long term usage of this drug can make the user suicidal and psychotic.
Heroin and Other Drugs
The good news is that Missouri do not have too many Heroin users. But this drug still has enough popularity among city folks. Different varieties of this narcotic are available throughout the state. According to narcotic abuse statistics in Missouri, this state has about 2,617 Heroin users.
There are, however, other kinds of drugs that are also used by some people of Missouri. These include various kinds of inhalants and Hallucinogens. The popular Hallucinogens are PCP, LSD, and DMT. PCP is mostly sold in St. Louis and Kansas City. However, it is also believed that the availability of LSD is limited to a few cities in Missouri.
Alcohol
Alcoholism in Missouri is not uncommon. There are various hospitals and rehab centers in this city that have patients suffering from drinking problems. In 2006, about 21.2% of hospitalizations have been due to alcoholism. In 2007, the city recorded about 1,635 alcohol related fatalities.
Drug Abuse among Children
It is shocking and sad to see children and students becoming victims of drug abuse. Starting from Marijuana to prescription drugs, it seems the younger generation wants to try everything. Right now, Missouri has about 481,000 12-year old Marijuana users, 106,000 12-year old Cocaine users and 244,000 12-year old users of prescription drugs. In addition to this, there are 388,000 12-year olds who are alcoholics.
Statistics show that about 48,000 kids start experimenting with Marijuana before crossing their 13th birthday. The easy availability and regular use of these drugs have virtually pushed the young generation towards a bleak future. The schools in Missouri have many students between grades 9th-12th who have tasted various kinds of drugs.
Crime Rate and Prevention
As far as the crime rate is concerned, Missouri is the 16th state in the national ranking for records of violent crimes. The records from the DEA’s office also reveal that the prisons of Missouri have a total of 31,081 inmates. There are about 53,832 people in this state who are under probation. In 2007, there has been about 35,593 drug related arrests, of which about 609 arrests were made by the DEA. Many of the violent crimes were also drug related.
The police have rounded up about 26,987 people on charge of driving under influence. Breaking down on Methamphetamine factories, restricting the supplies of pseudoephedrine and eradicating Marijuana plants are some other steps the authorities are taking to prevent drug abuse in the state.
Rehabilitation
In 2007, about 327 people have died due to incessant drug usage. This shows the necessity of rehabilitation and treatment. There are various clinics in Missouri that provide such facilities. But the community has to be more active and empathetic as there are many drug users who die without receiving any treatment.
Let’s hope that with time and determined action, Missouri would come out from the clutches of alcoholism and drug addiction.
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