STATISTICS & TRENDS

STATISTICS & TRENDS

The Ongoing Meth Epidemic in Rural Oklahoma

“Everything is not OK in OK.” Read the powerful story of Mike and Joan, a couple who moved to rural Oklahoma for a fresh start only to face the harsh reality of a community struggling with arson, theft, and the heartbreaking toll of meth addiction.

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Illicit Use of Ketamine on the Rise

Ketamine has been used recreationally in the U.S. for some time, but only recently have usage rates increased significantly, and only recently has the drug become a major drug of concern. Law enforcement offices are reporting spikes in ketamine busts and...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

California Struggles with Increasing Fentanyl-Methamphetamine Overdoses

California faces a surge in overdoses from combined fentanyl and methamphetamine use, marking the “fourth wave of the opioid crisis.” With cartels targeting the state and polydrug abuse on the rise, more than ten thousand lives are lost each year,...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Oregon Reverses its Position on Drug Legalization As More Synthetic Drugs Pour Into the West Coast

Oregon has reversed its drug decriminalization law after three years, as rising homelessness, overdoses, and the influx of powerful synthetic drugs like fentanyl and xylazine threatened to overwhelm the state. The new law recriminalizes most drugs and...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Fentanyl: The Quiet Catastrophe Tearing America Apart

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has driven overdose deaths up nearly 3,200% from 2002 to 2023, impacting all age groups, especially men and adults aged 25–44. Despite its deadly toll, media coverage has diminished. Largely produced in illegal labs...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Awareness of Adolescent Overdose Deaths Is Vital to Save Young Lives

Awareness of adolescent overdose deaths is crucial to save young lives. Despite a decline in drug use among teens, overdose deaths have more than doubled due to the millions of counterfeit pills laced with lethal doses of fentanyl. Parents, teachers, and...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Protect Your Loved Ones from Opioid Overdose

The news of the opioid crisis may not be dominating the headlines these days. But the problem has not gone away.  It has not lessened. It is getting worse.

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Key Factors of Preventing Relapse Recommended by the World Health Organization

This article explores the crucial role of life skills training in preventing relapse among individuals recovering from substance abuse. Drawing on recommendations from international bodies like the World Health Organization, the United Nations Office on...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

If Substance Abuse Were Eliminated, What American Problems Would Disappear?

Substance abuse imposes severe physical, mental, and social burdens on Americans, contributing to preventable health issues, social problems, and significant financial costs. This article highlights the reduction in injuries, illnesses, and deaths and...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Oregon’s Drug Decriminalization Law Fails to Save Lives

The article examines the aftermath of Oregon’s Measure 110, which decriminalized personal quantities of drugs with the aim of redirecting funds toward addiction recovery services. There are many signs the law has failed to meet its objectives, with few...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

CDC Reports U.S. Overdoses Reach New High

The CDC recently published its most current provisional data regarding total U.S. drug overdoses for the 12 months between May 2022 and April 2023. According to the new data, 112,024 people across the U.S. died from drug overdoses in that period, compared...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

New Research Data Shows Cannabis and Hallucinogen Usage Rates Continue to Rise Among Adults

While it’s common for certain drug use trends to come in and out of popularity, the trend of cannabis and hallucinogen use has been quite concerning in that usage of these drugs has steadily risen, uninterrupted, for several years. Further, interest...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Update on America’s Current Illicit Drug Market: Many New Drugs, Higher Quantities

The article provides an updated look at the U.S. illicit drug market, highlighting emerging trends and a very concerning surge in quantities of the deadly drug fentanyl. It also emphasizes the need for public awareness and advocates for a dual approach...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Why Do Women Find Drug Rehab Help Less Frequently Than Men?

This article investigates the gender gap in drug abuse and rehabilitation, citing the statistics that reveal fewer women finding drug rehab treatment compared to men. It also explores expert opinions for potential reasons, including unique challenges faced...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Why Did We Lose Matthew Perry of “Friends” Fame?

The article delves into the shocking death of actor Matthew Perry in October 2023, revealing the role played by ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic. While Perry had long struggled with substance abuse and addiction, he was finally sober when he published...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Latest Findings Show Number of Addicts in America Doubled in Recent Years

According to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 16.5% of people aged 12 or older in the U.S. in 2021 (46.3 million people) met the criteria for addiction and needed substance use treatment. This is significant news because, in years...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Fentanyl Floods Into America at an Unprecedented Rate

Solving America’s problem with illicit synthetic opioids starts with a rational assessment of the extent of the problem. Learn how much fentanyl is still flooding across our borders.

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Michigan Healthcare Scheme Involved Opioids

A story broke in early 2023 that revealed a Detroit-area doctor had been sentenced to nearly 17 years in prison and was ordered to pay $30 million. The crime? Leading a scheme to bill Medicare and private insurers for unnecessary painkiller injections...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Data Now Suggests Home Delivery of Alcohol During Pandemic Created Permanent, Long-Term Harm

New business strategies sprung up during COVID-19 lockdowns. While many such ideas were innovative and helpful, some caused harm. For example, one strategy implemented by alcohol manufacturers involved delivering alcohol to the doorsteps of people who...

STATISTICS & TRENDS

Why are Efforts to Combat Underage Drinking Stalling?

According to a recent report, several types of law enforcement strategies used to combat underage drinking are declining in terms of the frequency of their use by law enforcement departments. This is the wrong direction to go in.