Drug addiction is a serious issue affecting the state of Texas.
Although drug abuse and addiction are not new issues, they are becoming more common than ever before. The number of people seeking treatment for their addictions has increased by more than 50 percent in recent years, and the number of deaths due to overdose has risen significantly as well.
There are many things that can lead someone down the path towards drug use or even full-blown addiction such as lack of access to healthcare or educational opportunities but perhaps none is as significant as the hopelessness and despair associated with living on limited resources day after day without much hope for improvement.
Drug Addiction
- As of 2017, more than 19 million Americans over the age of 12 have struggled or continue to struggle with addiction.
- ¾ of those who struggle with drug addiction also struggle with alcoholism
- Sufferers of mental health disorders are more likely to develop a drug or alcohol problem
- 8.5 million Americans struggle with both substance abuse and mental health issues
Why is there so much drug addiction in Texas?
Why is there so much drug addiction in Texas? The answer may surprise you.
Texas is a big state with a lot of people, and it’s full of people who work in the military and oil industries so close to the Mexican border.
Most notoriously, the Mexican cartels are blamed for routinely smuggling illegal drugs across the border into Texas with Houston, Odessa, and Austin being the most addicted cities.
What are the most common drugs in Texas?
The most common drugs in Texas are:
- Alcohol is the most reported substance abuse drug in the state of Texas. This makes sense considering how easy it is to find and purchase alcohol in the state.
- Heroin. Over 6,500 people reported being addicted to heroin. This is especially concerning as heroin can be considered the most lethal illegal drug on the market.
- Opiates accounted for 2,200 addictions.
- Cocaine, the most commonly smuggled drug accounts for over 3000 addictions reported
- Marijuana was reported as the drug of choice for around 7500 addicts.
- Methamphetamines are the number one drug of choice with over 8000 treatment admissions
However, prescription drugs like Xanax and Vicodin are also easy to find in the state. Ecstasy pills were popular in the 90s but now ecstasy itself is more common than its pill form.
How many people are addicted to drugs in Texas?
You are not alone if you’re worried about the rise of drug addiction in Texas.
According to the Texas Tribune, around 1.6 million adult Texans have a substance abuse disorder (SUD).
Drug addiction is a serious problem plaguing our state today, one that many Texans don’t even realize they have until it affects them personally or someone they love dearly—which usually happens through family members.
Over 4000 people died from a drug overdose in Texas in 2020 leading to a 14.1% drug overdose rate, this being a 33% increase from the year before. Men have a higher rate of death (twice the rate) than women and adults between the ages of 35 and 44 are more likely to die from drug use than any other group.
Who gets addicted to drugs in Texas?
It is a disease that can affect anyone. It is not a moral failing or any other type of character flaw. It’s not even a choice made by the person who has become addicted.
Drug addiction is chronic, which means it’s always there—it never goes away completely, even when you are in recovery. The disease of addiction can make it hard for people to stop using drugs even if they want to quit using drugs or want to stop hurting their loved ones by abusing substances like alcohol and opioids.
Addiction isn’t something you choose—it happens because of how your brain works in response to certain substances.
Addiction causes changes in how your brain functions and makes you think about things differently than someone without this illness would think about them.
Statistics from the 454 substance abuse treatment facilities show the following:
- Over 40,000 Texans entered substance abuse treatment programs per year
- Almost 60% of these individuals are male
- Almost 6000 people sought treatment for alcoholism each year
- Almost 5000 people sought treatment for alcoholism alongside treatment for another drug problem
- Between 2009 and 2014 1.4 million Texans were dependent on or abuse alcohol
- Between 2009 and 2013 473,000 people over the age of 12 were dependent on or abused illicit drugs
- Individuals working in construction and extraction occupations are more likely to use and potentially overdose on drugs
If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, get help now via Gallus Detox.
How can I help someone addicted to drugs in Texas?
To help someone addicted to drugs, first, you need to ensure that they are in a safe environment. If you suspect an overdose or drug-related emergency, call 911 immediately.
Next, look for signs that your loved one needs detox and treatment. Are they showing signs of withdrawal? Do they have any visible cuts or bruises on their body? Are they starting to lose weight because of their addiction?
If your loved one has decided that he or she wants treatment, then it’s time to get them connected with resources in your community. You can also check out our list of addiction treatment centers in Texas here or have them checked by the online suboxone doctors!
It is important not only for those suffering from substance abuse disorders but also the ones who love them as well to seek help before it’s too late.”
Conclusion
If someone you know is addicted to drugs, there are many resources available to help.
The most important thing you can do is be there for them and offer emotional support. You can also contact a local treatment center for more information about what’s available in your area.
If you or someone else is unsure of how to get started, get help via Gallus Detox today!