Scope of Problem

Louisiana’s geographical location and fabled nightlife have opened the door to a widespread and multi-dimensional illegal drug epidemic, and an urgent need for more LA drug and alcohol rehab programs. An ideal gulf-coast distribution hub, Louisiana offers smugglers a seemingly endless network of canals, waterways and rivers to move drugs in and out of the state. The Louisiana section of the Mississippi River is also an ideal transit route for drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and cartels of all origins. Once drugs are safely in the state, local distributors have the benefit of an extensive series of major highways and interstates to facilitate in-state maneuvering. Sandwiched between Texas and Mississippi, Louisiana is subject to a never-ending influx of illegal substances that pose an immediate threat to its entire population. The state’s criminal and prison culture rivals the most notorious, and can be heavily attributed to substance abuse and addiction. Crack, methamphetamine, and marijuana are currently the three most immediate illicit drug dangers facing the state. Without the implementation of more LA drug and alcohol rehab programs, and a serious commitment to prevention and reform, there will be many more to follow.

LA Drug Rehab

The ubiquitous presence of crack, methamphetamine, marijuana and other drugs has been answered with the establishment of quality LA drug rehab programs. Professionals at these programs must possess the most up-to-date expertise in the face of the state’s fluid and ever-changing illegal drug problem. The diverse inventory and constant flow of new substances into the marketplace have mandated staff at LA drug rehab programs be at the top of their game. If you or a loved one are one of the thousands battling substance abuse in Louisiana, you still have hope and a number of viable options.

LA Alcohol Rehab

Cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge have garnered Louisiana legendary nightlife status, to which thousands of people flock to experience every year. Home to Mardi Gras and a slew of bars and pubs, citizens and visitors to Louisiana will always have a place to drink. Unfortunately this and other factors have contributed to the need for more LA alcohol rehab centers over the years. If you live in Louisiana, specifically in one of the state’s metropolitan areas, alcohol will always be around. Time spent at a quality LA alcohol rehab program will enable patients to develop resistance skills in the face of temptation as you attempt to function in a post-recovery life. Most patients can’t afford to remove themselves entirely from their pre-recovery circumstances. In fact, it’s not uncommon for alcoholics to drink their money away. For Louisiana alcoholics seeking peace-of-mind, without completely uprooting their lives, quality LA alcohol rehab is the best bet.

LA Detox

Before any addiction counseling or psychotherapy can begin, Louisiana patients must successfully undergo a thorough LA detox period. The rest of the recovery process is largely predicated upon the patient’s experience in detox. The more comfortable they are, the more positive their attitude will be toward the rest of the process. Any quality LA detox will place patient comfort and symptom withdrawal management at the forefront of their addiction care philosophy. Patients in search of a reputable detox program should enlist the help of a loved one to ensure the right selection.

LA Marijuana Abuse

LA marijuana abuse is the most frequent form of substance abuse within the state, and is quickly becoming a regular pastime for its younger population. Many regard LA marijuana abuse as a more benign, or less harmful, way of getting high, especially in comparison to other substances. Foreign marijuana originates in Mexico and is smuggled into the state through Texas. There is also a sizable domestic growth market, the product of which grows in the state’s forests and along its waterways. Indoor growth is also common, and is accomplished through the use of sophisticated hydroponics. The primary controlling factions are Hispanic gangs that work in cooperation with other organizations to maximize distribution and profit.

LA Cocaine Addiction

LA cocaine addiction is responsible for more violence, crime, and gangland activity than any other drug in the state. Louisiana’s powder cocaine supply originates in Mexico and is shipped into the state through the Southwest. A majority of the Louisiana’s cocaine inventory is converted to crack, and is then distributed to local controlling factions which include street-gangs and other violent organizations. Product is moved within Louisiana mainly on the state’s major highways via commercial and private automobile. The number of cocaine-related murders in Louisiana remains steady.

LA Heroin Addiction

Thankfully LA heroin addiction poses a significantly lower threat than it did just ten years ago. Law enforcement involvement, lack of quality product, and a spike in prices have contributed to the drug’s dramatically diminished representation throughout the state. Controlling interests of the state’s limited distribution include Hispanic street-gangs operating out of New Orleans. South American and Mexican black tar are the primary varieties, with Southeast Asian exhibiting a very small showing in the state’s major cities. The number of heroin-related drug rehab admissions has diminished significantly due to the aforementioned circumstances, however authorities continue to keep a close eye on the problem in the event of re-emergence.

LA Methamphetamine Addiction

The rapid spread of LA methamphetamine addiction has placed it high in the running for the state’s most immediate illegal drug threat. Data from law enforcement indicates that it’s eclipsed cocaine in popularity and volume of distribution. The majority of the state’s supply originates in Mexico and is smuggled in through Texas. However domestic production in clandestine labs has gotten to be a serious problem in many areas. Its low cost, general abundance, and purity have made methamphetamine the drug of choice for many of the state’s younger residents. Miscellaneous local organizations, Mexican cartels and outlaw motorcycle gangs control local distribution.

LA Prescription Drug Abuse

Along with practically every other state, Louisiana is facing a serious prescription drug problem. Doctor shopping, theft, dishonest physicians, misuse of legitimate prescriptions, and unregulated Internet sales are responsible for the bulk of the state’s prescription drug epidemic. The most commonly abused prescriptions include OxyContin, Vicodin, and Xanax. A lesser contributing factor to this statewide problem is the smuggling of cheaper, lower-quality prescriptions from Mexico. Another alarming component of the LA prescription drug abuse story is a budding anabolic steroid addiction problem.

LA Club Drug Abuse

Louisiana is home to bustling nightclub and university cultures, both of which are fertile breeding grounds for club drug addiction. Used to describe the family of illegal drugs that consists of MDMA (ecstasy), GHB, LSD, PCP, and Ketamine, the term club drugs was adopted due to their popularity among young adults and clubgoers. Ecstasy and GHB are the two most popular club drugs in Louisiana, and have accounted for more and more drug rehab admissions over the past ten years. Abusers tend to include young adults and teenagers. Miscellaneous trafficking organizations control local distribution.

Summary

Methamphetamine has become the king of the Louisiana illegal drug market, while cocaine and prescription addiction remain consistent problems. The substance abuse epidemic with which Louisiana is currently saddled has made many of its streets unsafe to travel. The best way to reverse the effects of its substance abuse climate is criminal prosecution of distributors and the establishment of more quality LA drug and alcohol rehab programs for victims. Louisiana is a state rich in character, diversity, and fun. It would be nothing less than a tragedy to see all of that fall by the wayside in the wake of widespread substance abuse.