Louisiana Drug Statistics

With a history that is richer and runs deeper than the Mississippi delta, Louisiana stands out because of its unique, eclectic mixture of culture and traditions. The positive attitude, respect and Southern Hospitality of this state are noted by all who visit here. Louisiana is fun-loving and proud, yet drug and alcohol addiction are prevalent in her communities. Palm Partners is delighted to know that you are seeking a helping hand. Our specialized programs have helped thousands overcome their struggles with addiction. We tailor our detox and rehabilitation programs to fit the needs of every individual we treat.

Data shows that those 26 and older particularly need – and aren’t receiving – drug detox and rehab in Louisiana. If you’re using and abusing, call Palm Partners Addiction Detox and Rehab now for immediate help: 504-521-7699. Get into the right facility and transform your life. Our professionals are standing by, 24/7.

What you should know

Because Louisiana is next to the Gulf of Mexico and a network of waterways, the state has direct access to drug supplies as far west as the Mexican border and as far east as Florida. The state also is at a junction of national railroad and highway systems. That all creates a natural gateway for worldwide shippers into the U.S. — and makes Louisiana a drug smuggling center.

Most drug trafficking is overland, using private and commercial vehicles. Colombian, Mexican and Caribbean drug organizations are the major traffickers, and local street and motorcycle gangs and other criminal groups aid in the trafficking.

Compared to other states

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

Cocaine

Primary drug threat, especially crack. Mexican drug organizations and Black-American criminal groups traffic most of the powdered cocaine, which is then usually converted into crack.

Methamphetamine

A major drug threat. In some areas of the state, meth is replacing crack cocaine as the primary drug threat. Most of the meth is produced in Mexico and southwestern states, then transported via Mexican drug organizations. Local labs only produce enough meth for local use.

Marijuana

Most commonly abused. Mexican drug organizations control most of the wholesale distribution of the Mexico-produced product. Cheaper than what’s locally grown, the imported marijuana has made local production less profitable.

Pharmaceuticals

Pain management clinics a threat. “Pill mills” that illegally prescribe narcotics to addicts are in every major city. In New Orleans, however, recent law enforcement has reduced the threat. But, overall, abuse is increasing alarmingly. OxyContin, hydrocodone and Xanax use is high, and methadone overdoses have risen significantly. Some drugs are brought into the state from Mexico and the Southwest Border cities, usually via local independent distributors. Many abusers use the internet to get drugs from sources in the U.S., Europe, Canada and the Caribbean. Other sources are prescription forgeries and “doctor shopping.”

Heroin

Only a threat in New Orleans. South American heroin is the most common type, but Mexican heroin is also available. Mexican drug trafficking organizations are the chief source.

Club drugs

On the rise among young adults. Ketamine, Rohypnol, LSD, GHB and MDMA (Ecstasy) are the drugs of choice for young Caucasians at all economic levels. MDMA from California, Texas and Florida is distributed to college-age youth. MDMA counterfeit pills are sold in Shreveport nightclubs, while Vietnamese groups are trafficking the real MDMA in New Orleans.

Alcohol

Not a significant problem.

Percentage of Louisiana 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.