Arkansas Drug Statistics

501-232-0609

Arkansas is known for its captivating geography, its bustling capital of Little Rock and its wealth of history. This state has given the world many influential people, including the late Johnny Cash. Like millions of people in Arkansas, the Man in Black struggled with drug addiction for years. Palm Partners is delighted in the fact that you are seeking help with your dependence. There is no better time to end the abuse. Drug addiction in Arkansas is more than statistics, criminal repercussions and the impact of narcotics and alcohol upon the body.

Are you struggling with drug addiction in Arkansas? Don’t let yourself carry the negative emotions for yet another day. Palm Partners Addiction Detox and Rehab is here to provide the professional help you need to change for the better.

Data shows that those 26 and older particularly need – and aren’t receiving – drug detox and rehab in Arkansas. If you’re using and abusing drugs or alcohol, call Palm Partners Addiction Detox and Rehab now for immediate help: 501-232-0609. Get into the right facility and transform your life. Our professionals are standing by, 24/7.

What you should know

Methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana are widely available through drug trafficking. In fact, law enforcement on Arkansas interstate roads, particularly Interstate 40, annually seize tens of thousands of pounds of marijuana and hundreds of kilograms of cocaine. Significant quantities of drugs are also seized on commercial air and bus lines.

Compared to other states

• Illicit drugs overall – average for those 26 and older, moderately low for those 18-25
• Marijuana – moderately high for those 26 and older, average for those 18-25
• Pharmaceuticals – average for those 18 and older
• Cocaine – moderately low for those 26 and older, low for those 18-25
• Alcohol – 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. The reasons are the state’s rural landscape and the availability of precursor chemicals used in manufacturing meth. It is imported from Mexico and produced locally.

Cocaine

A persistent problem, especially in the inner cities. Powder cocaine usually arrives in multi-kilogram quantities, while crack arrives in multi-ounce or kilogram quantities. Distribution points include Little Rock, Texarkana, El Dorado, Hot Springs and Dumas. Relatively inexpensive, cocaine has led to violent crimes, primarily among street gangs dealing the drug. Its wide availability, ease of conversion from powdered cocaine hydrochloride and street gang movement beyond traditional areas of operation have led to crack’s spread into many suburban and rural areas.

Marijuana

Abundantly available. Mexican and locally produced marijuana are both in demand. Traditional growing areas in state are the eastern and northwestern regions. With intensified law enforcement, the number of outdoor sites has decreased. But indoor cultivation remains significant, especially in cities.

Pharmaceuticals

On the rise. Most commonly abused are hydrocodone products such as Vicodin and oxycodone products such as OxyContin in addition to morphine, pseudoephedrine, Demerol and Dilaudid. They are obtained through illegal sale and distribution by healthcare professionals and workers, forged prescriptions and prescriptions from more than one doctor (“doctor shopping”), pharmacy break-ins and the internet.

Club drugs

Ecstasy greatest threat to youth. It’s the most prevalent and popular party drug. Others increasing in demand are GHB and LSD, which are commonly used at rave functions and college hangouts in highly populated areas. LSD is sold in blotter paper and small liquid vials, among other forms. California sources transport LSD to Little Rock and Fayetteville for redistribution in the state.

Heroin

Not a significant problem. What little tar heroin is encountered in central Arkansas seems to be imported through Mexican trafficking organizations.

Alcohol

Average threat.

Percentage of Arkansas 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.