Drugs are more prevalent in certain areas where there is more crime, homelessness, and drug dealing. Most everyone knows where the bad neighborhoods are in their town or nearby city. Still, it is not always the rough neighborhoods where drugs are found. There are; unfortunately, more and more communities being affected by drugs. Heroin is now being sold in wealthy areas to lawyers, nurses, students, and even homemakers. Drug use may be more obvious in run-down districts, but it is everywhere.
A million-dollar cocaine and fentanyl drug bust occurred in September 2021 in Wilkes Barre, PA 80% white population and a $50,000 median income level. (ABC News)
How to Protect Your Family From Drugs?
The only way to protect your family from drugs is never to use them and openly communicate with your relatives about the dangers of drug use and addiction. Families that discuss drugs and how each other feels about them keep the door wide open for honesty. Drug use is illegal, and therefore drugs are always kept secret. Making drugs a conversation with your family members is not asking for trouble; it is how to take away its hush-hush power over someone. Additionally, communication with your family about harmful drugs is a remarkable way to support your loved ones’ decision not to use drugs and resist peer pressure.
What type of Drugs is Most Problematic Right Now?
The availability of opioids, especially heroin, is still the most dangerous type of drug that can be found in nearly every city in the United States. Heroin has evolved to be a rich white kid’s drug of choice. The other problematic drug type that gets less attention but is considered the gateway drug is marijuana. Younger age groups are also attracted to prescription stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin. The other drugs that have been found in abundance in all major cities are prescription drugs, including Xanax, Percocet, and Oxycontin.
What Are the Statistics on Drug Use and Families in the United States?
Recent reports from the Gallup poll analytics firm that supplies information to the government reported that nearly half of all families in the United States are currently experiencing drug use or alcohol use problem in the household. The Gallup poll data is from 2019 and is considered relevant to the current year.
Close to half of U.S. adults, 46%, have dealt with substance abuse problems in their family: 18% have had just alcohol problems, and 10% have had just drug problems, while 18% have experienced both. These findings are based on combined 2018-2019 data from Gallup’s annual Consumption Habits poll, conducted each July. Overall, across the two polls, 36% of Americans reported that drinking has been a cause of trouble in their family and 28% said the same of drug abuse. (Gallup Poll)
What Is The Impact of Drugs on Families and Communities?
The most notable effect drugs will have on the family when they are found in the community is the risk of peer pressure and exposure to drug use. Other complications from drugs in the community that will affect families living there are crime, increased taxes to fund police, and general upkeep, including welfare needs and public property value. The less a family acknowledges the problems of drugs in their community amongst themselves and other community members, the bigger the situation. Honest and nonjudgmental communication inside a family about drugs in the community is how the family members can remain drug-free together.
Evoke Wellness at Cohasset Has Specialists Ready to Help with One Phone Call
The programs that we provide are personalized to the unique individual. For example, Evoke Wellness in Massachusetts has programs that rely on cognitive behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and one-on-one counseling programs for men, women, and young adults. As a result, we have helped at-risk teens and adults, and chronic addicts reclaim their lives clean and sober. We make entry fast, affordable, and we are here to help your loved one right now. Call now for priority assessment and placement into a personalized rehab program. Please don’t wait for drugs to disappear on their own. Our commitment to the community begins with family members who need our support and professional drug and alcohol treatment programs. Call right now to begin or chat and email for more help.
