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Data shows that those 18 and older particularly need – and aren’t receiving – drug detox and rehab in Maine. If you’re using and abusing, call Palm Partners Addiction Detox and Rehab now for immediate help: 207-420-8981. Get into the right facility and transform your life. Our professionals are standing by, 24/7.
What you should know
Marijuana is the principal drug of abuse. It is grown locally and also imported from Canada, Massachusetts and New York. Meth, although not yet a significant problem, has considerable potential for production and distribution in Maine.
Compared to other states
- Illicit drugs overall – among the highest for those 18 and older
- Marijuana – among the highest for those 18 and older
- Cocaine – among the highest for those 18-25, moderately high for those 26 and older
- Pharmaceuticals – moderately high for those 18-25, average for those 26 and older
- Alcohol – average for those 18-25, low for those 26 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
Marijuana
Drug of choice. Legal for medical use, marijuana is readily available throughout the state. Predominantly Caucasian traffickers supply marijuana that’s grown in state as well as marijuana that’s shipped from the Southwest Border and Canada. Motorcycle groups control much of the distribution.
Cocaine
Crack on the rise. Cocaine is available throughout the state in fractional ounce to kilogram quantities, but crack cocaine is growing in popularity in southern and central communities.
Pharmaceuticals
A considerable threat. Maine is one of the top 10 states for abuse of OxyContin and Percocet, particularly in isolated and rural areas.
Alcohol
Somewhat of a problem. Alcohol is the most often used substance in Maine.
Heroin
Increasing. While use is more prevalent in southern communities, use is also encountered in coastal and Canadian border communities — and has spread into rural and remote areas.
Methamphetamine
Not a significant problem. However, meth is found throughout the state.
Club drugs
Small increase in Ecstasy use in the south.
Percentage of Maine population using/abusing drugs
| AGE1 | 18+ |
|---|---|
| ILLICIT DRUGS | |
| Past Month Illicit Drug Use2 | 9.33 |
| Past Year Marijuana Use | 12.22 |
| Past Month Marijuana Use | 8.13 |
| Past Month Use of Illicit Drugs Other Than Marijuana2 | 3.14 |
| Past Year Cocaine Use | 2.32 |
| Past Year Nonmedical Pain Reliever Use | 4.37 |
| Perception of Great Risk of Smoking Marijuana Once a Month3 | 31.93 |
| ALCOHOL | |
| Past Month Alcohol Use | 56.88 |
| Past Month Binge Alcohol Use4 | 24.37 |
| Perception of Great Risk of Drinking Five or More Drinks Once or Twice a Week3 | 39.91 |
| PAST YEAR DEPENDENCE, ABUSE AND TREATMENT5 | |
| Illicit Drug Dependence2 | 1.88 |
| Illicit Drug Dependence or Abuse2 | 2.81 |
| Alcohol Dependence | 3.48 |
| Alcohol Dependence or Abuse | 7.67 |
| Alcohol or Illicit Drug Dependence or Abuse2 | 9.85 |
| Needing But Not Receiving Treatment for Illicit Drug Use2,6 | 2.62 |
| Needing But Not Receiving Treatment for Alcohol Use6 | 7.33 |
| Serious psychological distress | 12.53 |
| Having at least one major depressive episode7 | 9.04 |
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 4th 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.