Kansas Drug Statistics

Kansas is the quintessential Midwestern state. Nobody captures America’s heart line quite like the people of this state. Technology, agriculture and oil production are just few of the plentiful industries in the state, each of which excels because of the dedication of the hard workers. Drug addiction issues and alcoholism are an unfortunate part of communities in Kansas. The challenges that accompany chemical dependency can impact families and entire neighborhoods. Though it may be hard to focus and stay hopeful through such turbulence, it is very reassuring to have professional help. You will find the very best help at Palm Partners Recovery Center.

Call our trained addiction specialists now and we will be glad to assist you as you overcome your addiction. We can help with detox, alcoholism and much more. Contact us today.

Data shows that those 18-25 particularly need – and aren’t receiving – alcohol detox and rehab in Kansas. If you’re using and abusing, call Palm Partners Addiction Detox and Rehab now for immediate help: 785-741-8018. Get into the right facility and transform your life. Our professionals are standing by, 24/7.

What you should know

Mexican poly-drug trafficking organizations control most of the distribution of meth, cocaine and marijuana. Other groups such as Asian drug trafficking organizations and outlaw motorcycle gangs are also involved in distribution. Kansas is a transshipment point for drugs transported to the eastern U.S.

Compared to other states

• Illicit drugs overall – moderately low for those 26 and older, low for those 18-25
• Alcohol – moderately high for those 18-25, average for those 26 and older
• Cocaine – average for those 18-25, low for those 26 and older
• Pharmaceuticals – average for those 26 and older, moderately low for those 18-25
• Marijuana – moderately low for those 18 and older

Source: SAMHSA’s most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, based on 2008-2009 annual averages. SAMHSA is the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

A closer look

Methamphetamine

Primary drug of concern. Crystal or ice meth, produced in Mexico and transported from there, is prevalent throughout the state. Although legislation limits purchase of pseudoephedrine products necessary for meth production, many in-state operators of small labs go store to store, buying the maximum allowable amounts and stealing other ingredients. Most of the labs use the “birch” method and are in residences, hotels, vehicles and remote farm areas.

Alcohol

A significant problem.

Marijuana

Most widely abused illegal substance. The drug is imported through cities on the Southwest Border and transported in large quantities via interstate highways. Kansas City is a significant staging area for this Mexican marijuana. High-potency and high-priced hydroponic marijuana grown indoors in Kansas is in strong demand.

Cocaine

High level of violent crime associated with drug. HCl and crack are readily available throughout Kansas. Much of the power cocaine is converted into crack and sold in the inner cities. Kansas City is a transshipment point for transport to Dayton, Ohio; Chicago; Detroit; New York City and cities in New Jersey.

Pharmaceuticals

OxyContin drug of choice. Also commonly abused are hydrocodone products. Other substances abused are Alprazolam, Benzodiazepine, Demerol, Dilaudid, Lortab, Methylphenidate, Morphine, Nubain, Percocet, Percodan, Phenobarbital, Phentermine, Prozac, Tylox, Valium, Vicodin and Xanax.  Sources are “doctor shopping,” prescription forgeries, pharmacy break-ins, employee theft and internet pharmacy websites.

Heroin

Increase in interstate transport. Personal quantities of heroin are available in Wichita and Kansas City, but little or none is available in western Kansas, and only limited supplies are in the Topeka area. Most of what’s available is black tar heroin.

Club drugs

On the rise. Ecstasy, available in limited quantities often through Asian traffickers, is popular with teens, young adults and the gay community. PCP is popular in African-American neighborhoods in the state’s larger cities. GHB is available throughout the state, while LSD is seen in larger cities as well as on and around college campuses and other places that young adults frequent.

Percentage of Kansas population using/abusing drugs

¹ Age group is based on a respondent’s age at the time of the interview, not his or her age at first use.

² Illicit Drugs include marijuana/hashish, cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants or prescription-type psychotherapeutics used non-medically. Illicit Drugs Other Than Marijuana include cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants or prescription-type psychotherapeutics used non-medically.

³ When the Perception of Great Risk in using marijuana or alcohol is low, use of marijuana or alcohol is high.

⁴ Binge Alcohol Use is defined as drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion (i.e., at the same time or within a couple of hours of each other) on at least 1 day in the past 30 days.

⁵ Dependence or abuse is based on definitions found in the 4^th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).

⁶ Needing But Not Receiving Treatment refers to respondents needing treatment for illicit drugs or alcohol, but not receiving treatment at a specialty facility.

⁷ Major Depressive Episode is a period of at least 2 weeks when a person experienced a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities and had a majority of the symptoms for depression as described in the DSM-IV.

Source: Condensed version of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2004 and 2005, from SAMHSA, Office of Applied Studies.