DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE AMONG TEENS IN ALABAMA

Alabama Drug and Alcohol Abuse Facts

Illegal drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana still account for the bulk of drugs flowing into Alabama . Drugs are trafficked into Alabama via Colombian, Mexican, and Caribbean Drug Trafficking Groups along with regional and local criminal organizations. Mexican, Caribbean and regional criminal organizations have been found to operate extensive distribution networks within Alabama . On a smaller scale Motorcycle Gangs are also supplying meth through their own networks in the state. The incidence of local Clandestine Meth Labs is increasing.

Cocaine
Marijuana accounts for most of the arrests in Alabama but cocaine and crack cocaine also pose a major threat. The addictive characteristics of crack cocaine can destroy otherwise productive lives and perhaps a key factor why many individuals succumb to health conditions that prompt them to turn to their life cover insurance premiums to pay for medical expenses. The violence associated with cocaine trafficking and street sales creates a pall that hangs over many of Alabama 's lower income neighborhoods. The greater part of Alabama 's cocaine is supplied through Mexican sources in the border states . ( California , Arizona , and Texas ) Alabama 's near proximity to Atlanta , Georgia , and Miami , Florida , (Major trafficking Hubs) also comprises a significant threat. Atlanta is a major transportation center for the airline industry and transcontinental trucking, while Miami has always been a major international drug trafficking hub and many of the South American and Caribbean groups have ties to the south Florida.

Heroin
Heroin is not a significant factor in Alabama during the past few years; however indications are that recently heroin use is increasing. Most heroin in Alabama comes into the state by way of Jamaica , and more recently from New York . The purity of heroin found in Alabama is increasing while the street price is dropping. This presents an alarming trend.

Meth
Meth is becoming the biggest drug threat in Alabama . Methamphetamine abuse surpasses cocaine statewide. Enforcement initiatives are underway to identify drug trafficking organizations involved in meth importation, production and distribution. Methamphetamine labs are generally located in isolated rural communities. Intelligence indicates that bulk methamphetamine distribution in Alabama is dominated by groups supplied by sources in Mexico with transport routes through the border states . Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations use long haul trucks, rented cars, private vehicles and airlines as well as shipping via the Post Office and other interstate commercial carriers. Street sales of and use of meth are divided between the Hispanic and Caucasian communities. The increasing popularity of meth in small towns has resulted in an increase in theft and violence. EPIC statistics indicated lab seizures of 207, 280, and 297 in 2002, 2003, 2004, respectively, indicating an increase in illicit production.

Club Drugs
The use and distribution of club drugs among young people is increasing dramatically. Arrests, overdoses and emergency room visits along with seizures of designer “Club Drugs” is up. Ecstasy, LSD, GHB, MDMA are more readily available throughout the state. These drugs are commonly found in college towns on campuses and at venues frequented by students. GHB and MDMA have become the club drugs of choice. Most users are young and white from all economic levels but most often university students and ravers. Ecstasy use has continued to increase. Intelligence indicates Ecstasy is most often coming in from Atlanta, Georgia. Other sources are Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee and internationally from Germany. Ecstasy is the #1 "Club Drug” but the use of GHB and it’s variants has been rising. GHB is now considered a significant threat for Alabama. Solvents containing GHB analogs are available from the Internet. GHB overdoses are being reported regularly. LSD has not seen a corresponding increase in use in Alabama.

Marijuana
Marijuana is the most abused drug in Alabama. In the past few years, there has been a marked increase in street dealing and in the size of loads seized. (Particularly in Huntsville and surrounding areas) Previously a 10 pound seizure of marijuana would have been relatively rare, and considered a significant bust. Now it’s common for Huntsville police to seize loads of between 50 and 100 pounds. Production of marijuana inside Alabama is still declining while trafficking into the state is increasing, mostly from Mexico via the interstate and from South America through port cities in Florida and up through the Port of Mobile.

Criminal groups transport large shipments (sometimes well over 100 kilos) into Alabama from the southwestern border region. Typically marijuana is hidden in commercial and private vehicles or sent through the mail or package delivery services. Even though the interstate is the known route for most of the seizures, Intelligence indicates a strong possibility of marijuana smuggling through the various Airports in Alabama.

Pharmaceutical Diversions
In Alabama Hydrocodone drugs such as Vicodin® have the highest incidence of diversion. Authorities primarily see diversion from three avenues.
1. Direct illegal distribution and sale of prescription drugs by health care professionals and workers in the healthcare arena
2. “Doctor Shopping” (going to different doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions)
3. Fraudulent Internet purchase

In Alabama: Hydrocodone drugs such as Vicodin®, Metadone, Oxycodone variants such as OxyContin®, benzodiazepines such as Xanax®, and phentermine are the most commonly diverted pharmaceuticals.

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