In 2012, over 22 million Americans admitted to needing treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. These staggering statistics show the effect that substance abuse has had on the U.S. as it has become a growing problem. No state has escaped the statistics of addiction, and Texas is no different. In fact, as one of the first places to receive drug shipments from across the border, one can argue that perhaps addiction in Texas, specifically San Marcos, can be even more problematic. Although it’s not the state with the highest addiction rate, it is significantly impacted by drug abuse. The suffering related to substance abuse is also a cause for concern. Families are torn apart, financial ruin ensues, or loved ones lost because of drug abuse in San Marcos. No one is immune to the lasting consequences of addiction. Thankfully, treatment options at drug rehabs are readily available to those who are ready and willing to do what it takes to break the cycle of addiction.

Which Drugs Are the Worst in San Marcos?

Some drugs are more readily available in certain cities across Texas.  Because of the drug trafficking from across the border of Mexico, drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin are in abundant supply and readily available for easy access. The nearby town of San Antonio has reported that nearly 80,000 people in the city have admitted to using methamphetamines, a number that is significantly higher than previous years. Sadly, the average lifespan of a person addicted to meth is only 10 years unless treatment is sought for this highly addictive substance. Marijuana from Mexico and from other states in the U.S. where marijuana is now a legal substance have caused a rise in this type of drug use, especially among the younger population.  Because San Marcos has a large college population stemming from the large campus of Texas State University, marijuana use and alcohol abuse numbers have grown.  Each year, police seize more marijuana than any other drugs combined, and the large majority of it can be traced back to Mexican cartels.  Approximately one in four patients seeking treatment at a drug rehab facility is there primarily for marijuana use.  Opioid abuse has become a national epidemic that has seeped into Texas cities like San Marcos. While numbers for opioid overdose and deaths are falling in other parts of the United States, the numbers in Hays County, Texas are still rising, concerning many residents in the town of San Marcos.

While news of the opioid crisis is sweeping the country, the story for Texas residents may look a little different.  Crystal meth has slowly been making a return as the CDC reported that deaths related to methamphetamine overdose nearly tripled between 2011 and 2016.  This increase is contributed largely in part to the highly potent, cheaper meth that is coming from across the Mexico border and into the States.  Methamphetamine is one of the most difficult substances to overcome addiction.  Its potency and addictive properties are strong.  Drug treatment is often the only option for those addicted to meth and can take time and significant will power to break free from this cycle of addiction.  Meth can have very severe withdrawal symptoms, and without assisted medications that exist for opioid addiction, the ability to detox can be quite difficult. But it’s not impossible with the help and support of San Marcos drug rehabs.  Meth affects people of every race, gender, and age.  The average age of users in Texas is 29, but for males, the average age was 23.  More and more, the younger generation is being faced with substance abuse issues.   Increased awareness about the effects of drug addiction and methamphetamine abuse as well as education programs have helped bring attention to the meth abuse facing San Marcos and surrounding cities in Hays County. 

Cocaine Addiction in San Marcos

Cocaine found in San Marcos and the surrounding areas of Hays County is most often a direct result of this illicit substance being brought in from across the border of Mexico. In 2002, Texas was at the top of the list for the amount of cocaine seized at nearly 17,0000 kilograms.  From 2010 to 2015, Texas border patrol saw a 17% decrease in cocaine seizures.  But that doesn’t mean the problem doesn’t exist.  While it isn’t as prominent as it once way, this dangerous stimulant can have serious physical and mental consequences.  Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that can be mixed with other drugs to make it even more potent and dangerous.  It can be snorted or injected or mixed with baking soda and heated to make “crack cocaine”.  Cocaine in any form can be extremely harmful or even lethal and addiction should be taken seriously.  Consider treatment options San Marcos, Texas drug rehabs before it’s too late.

In 2018, Texas drug overdose numbers were at a staggering rate with 2,995 drug overdose deaths.  This is nearly triple the number that it was in the early 2000s.  Meth and cocaine were the top two illicit substances responsible for drug overdoses.  Despite local authorities’ attempts to decrease production or trafficking of these substances, they continue to find their way into the hands of Texas residents. San Marcos has not escaped the effects of drug-related deaths.  In 2016, it was reported that 30 fatalities were directly related to drug overdoses.  The drug overdose mortality rate in Hays County is 6 per 100,000 people, showing that this is truly a deadly problem that can no longer be ignored.

Traffic Fatalities Linked to Substance Abuse

According to statistics, Texas sadly led the nation in 2017 for the number of traffic fatalities.  39% of these fatalities were a direct correlation of alcohol use with a driver having a blood alcohol content of .8 or higher.  It’s not just alcohol that is the cause of traffic fatalities.  Accidents linked to drug abuse have also increased in recent years.  In 2016, approximately 12 million people in the U.S. drove while under the influence of illicit drugs and the number of drivers killed in crashes related to opioid use has increased sevenfold.  Legal limits for drug use are harder to enforce than alcohol as to what counts as intoxication, but new tests are being analyzed every day.

Dangers of Substance Use Disorders

There are multiple dangers of substance use disorders that can affect a person physically, mentally, and emotionally.  For example, physically, addiction can ravage a person’s health.  It can lead to heart disease, liver or kidney disease, or ultimately death.  Emotionally, addiction takes a toll on not just those addicted to substances, but also on their friends and families.  It can lead to loss of a job, financial security, or even the ones you love.  The throes of substance abuse are far-reaching and can affect so many.  Mentally, addiction changes the pathways of the brain. The pleasure center of the brain is altered. Ultimately, the brain becomes used to substances and requires more and more to achieve the desired high.  This is what can lead to the risks of overdose or death because of substance abuse.  The fact remains that the dangers are severe.  If you suffer from substance use disorders, you are not alone.  However, it is imperative that you seek help as soon as possible to avoid lasting consequences.  San Marcos drug rehabs have supportive staff and proven treatment methods to aid in combating addiction.  If you are deep in the throngs of addiction in San Marcos, find hope with Summer Sky drug rehab.