Texas, also known as the “Lone Star State,” shares a 1,254-mile border with Mexico, one of the leading countries to produce highly addictive drugs such as cocaine and heroin.  Because of its close proximity to the Mexico border, the drug market flows into Houston as well.  The effects of the drug trafficking market are seen among the residents of Houston as almost 40,000 were admitted for addiction treatment and inpatient drug rehab in 2013 alone.  Along with the rising treatment admissions, poison control center calls for overdoses, arrests related to addiction, as well as overdose deaths have all increased in the past decade. The drug abuse trends are constantly changing in Houston, but one thing remains the same, the drug problem in the city because of the drug trafficking from Mexico is not likely to go away anytime soon.  The sad part is that many of those affected by addiction don’t realize their treatment options available to them to help combat addiction.  Summer Sky drug rehab is a leading drug rehab fighting to make a difference for those dealing with drug abuse in Houston, Texas.

Which Drugs Are the Worst in Houston, Texas?

Methamphetamine and heroin are the leading causes of substance abuse in all of Texas, including Houston.  Most of these illegal substances come from Mexico and are made with chemicals that have been illegal in the United States since 1980.  In the nation, Texas ranks first for seizures of cocaine marijuana and heroin with Methamphetamine in a close second.  The number one threat for Harris County in 2017 was cocaine, although K2, or Spice, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription pain killers were also at the top of the list.  With the facts in front of you, there’s no denying the drug problem that has flowed into Houston from Mexico, affecting its citizens and taking over the lives of many.  But there’s hope for residents from Houston drug rehabs that have proven treatment methods and highly trained staff whose number one goal is to see a decrease in addiction in Houston, Texas.  Please don’t hesitate to seek help from drug rehabs who have helped many others overcome and cycle of addiction and want to help you, too.  There’s no denying the problem, but there is a solution through drug addiction treatment from prominent drug rehabs in Houston.

Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive substance that has destroyed the lives of many Houston residents.  It has a strong sense of euphoria, making it a highly addictive drug that not only has short term effects on the central nervous system, but also long-lasting consequences.  Long term abuse of meth can lead to extreme mood swings, anxiety, psychotic behavior, confusion, or even violent behavior.  Because of its addictive properties, withdrawal from meth is extremely difficult to overcome.  Methamphetamine use in Texas has become so prominent that it has reached an epidemic level.  Almost 90% of the meth found in Texas comes from the bordering neighbors of Mexico.  The number of Texas residents, including Houston residents, seeking treatment for meth addiction has risen significantly from 590 in 2013 to over 6,000 in 2014.  16% of all patients seeking treatment for drug abuse in Texas reports needing help recovering from a methamphetamine addiction.  In Houston specifically, the average users of meth are white males between the ages of 25-34 as they made up approximately 67% of all reported meth users in Houston.  Although meth addiction is a cyclical problem in Houston, there are treatment options to provide help for those in need.  Meth detox in Houston is a critical first step in overcoming addiction and addressing unhealthy behaviors.

Cocaine Addiction in Houston

Cocaine, also known as Coke, has a reputation as being one of the most highly addictive substances in the drug world.  It provides a fast high but also a fast come down, leading users to want more and more to experience the dangerous high of cocaine.  Behavioral changes due to cocaine addiction include erratic behavior, inability to hold a job, family or relationship problems, or a loss of income in order to sustain the drug habit.  Harris County ranks at the top among Texas counties for overdose-related deaths at 1,384 according to 2014-2016 statistics of which cocaine abuse is a top contributor.  In Texas alone, 18% of all drug seizures were cocaine-related.  Only cannabis and Methamphetamine were ranked higher.  Over 3,000 men and women sought treatment for cocaine addiction in Texas in 2015.  What this tells us is that cocaine is a problem in Texas, specifically a large city like Houston.  Rehabs all across the city are working hard to educate Houston residents and make treatment more readily available to address cocaine addiction in Houston.

According to the Houston Chronicle, deaths from drug overdose in Texas have nearly tripled over the last 18 years.  From 2017 to 2018, the death toll has increased from 1,087 to a staggering 2.979.  From a 2016 drug report, 584 deaths were related to cocaine, nearly double previous years, 577 were from methamphetamine, 530 were heroin-related, which is up drastically from 107, synthetic opioids caused 250 drug overdose-related deaths and pain pills such as Vicodin and oxycodone were responsible for 501 deaths.   The total number of drug overdose deaths nationwide were even higher than those related to guns, car crashes, and HIV.  These shocking numbers have caused Texas and Houston officials to recognize the reality of the drug problem in Texas and its major cities such as Houston.  The need for treatment becomes important. Thankfully, drug rehabs in Texas such as Summer Sky can offer drug treatment programs to combat addiction in Houston.

Traffic Fatalities Linked to Substance Abuse

Houston has been dubbed by the Houston Chronicle as “ground zero” for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  In 2016, Houston led the state with 89 fatal DUI crashes.  Houston also made the top ten list for most drunk driving deaths at 4.36 per 100,000.  Harris County district attorneys are cracking down on drunk driving in Houston in order to address these statistics.  Drug-impaired driving is just as dangerous.  In 2016, there were 540 fatalities from 460 crashes related in which drugs were involved.  Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious concern that can and does affect the lives of many every single day.

Dangers of Substance Use Disorders

Addiction not only ruins lives, but it also destroys families and can lead to major health concerns.  Long term use of drugs or alcohol can take a toll on the body.  It can affect the heart, respiratory system, as well as other major organs that can cause irreversible damage.  Additionally, drug and alcohol use affects that brain.  It can cause it to age faster and lose brain volume which leads to memory problems and declining cognitive abilities.  Not only is there a physical consequence to drug or alcohol use, but there is also an emotional consequence.  Families are torn apart, relationships are destroyed, jobs are lost, and futures are questionable.  If you struggle with substance abuse, but it’s time to get help before it’s too late.