Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Information in Washington, D.C.

Overview of Alcohol and Drug Trafficking and Abuse in Washington, D.C.

Nowadays, drug syndicates have become so widespread that they exempt no place to operate. Even Washington, District of Columbia has not escaped the problems brought about by alcohol and drug smuggling. As such, the local government of Washington, D.C. is doing its best to protect all its citizens from drug abuse and drug-related crimes. From 2002 to 2006, an average number of 77 drug-related arrests have been documented.

However, it is also important to note that there had been a significant decrease in the number of alcohol- and drug-related crimes in DC since 2004—from 170, the figure fell down to 54 in 2006. This only shows that the government is trying its best to eliminate and prevent problems that concern drugs and alcohol. Yet despite the authorities' efforts, there are still approximately 16,000 citizens who were reported to be dependent on drugs and alcohol.

Alcohol and Drug Trafficking in Washington, District of Columbia

The location of Washington, D.C. made it a target point for drug smuggling from neighboring states. DC lies near the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia, which drug dealers use to transport illegal substances from other places such as Vietnam and Mexico.

The national and local government responded to this threat by establishing groups, launching programs, and forming task forces that will enforce the law and solve drug-related problems. One of these teams is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mobile Enforcement Team (MET). This team was established through the joint efforts of the local and national authorities to prevent the proliferation of drugs. At present, there is one MET unit deployed in Washington, D.C.

Since 1947, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) of Baltimore/Washington has designated programs and close monitoring teams in hot spots communities in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

The government has also established the Operation Crack Down program, which provides free legal representation and counsel for those who need it. The state also has the Addiction Prevention and Recovery Administration, which provides assistance to communities in their struggle to protect themselves against drug smuggling and addiction. Another program is the Mayor’s Interagency Task Force on Substance Abuse, which aims to enhance the efficiency of the judicial system and health services to protect the residents against substance addiction and crimes associated with it.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Information in Washington, D.C.

Cocaine

Although crack cocaine is in demand in Washington, D.C., its production and availability in the inner key cities is restricted. Despite the limitations, both the crack and powder cocaine are still marketable in Washington, D.C. In fact, in 2006, 64 kilograms of cocaine were confiscated by the federal government. There were also 1,889 admitted cases of cocaine addiction in different rehabilitation centers in Washington, D.C. Most of the cocaine users are estimated to be between 36 and 40 years old and around 45% of them are female.

Meth or Methampethamine

This drug is a big problem in Washington, D.C. because a large amount of it is sold to different urban and suburban areas. The underground market sells large volumes of Mexican quality meth, which are either locally manufactured or obtained from other places such as California, Arizona, Mexico, and Southwest Border States. Reports showed that approximately 29 kilograms of meth were seized by the authorities in 2006. However, research revealed that meth has a limited market in Washington, D.C. The users of this narcotic are mostly aged 21 to 25 years old. Meth is especially popular among young adults and homosexuals.

Marijuana

The total amount of marijuana seizure in 2006 was 4,363 kilograms. The most prevalent type of marijuana is the Canadian Bud or BC. The locally-grown BC is very much in demand because of its reasonable price and high quality. Marijuana is also popular among young users with 4.6% of them aged 17 years old and below. In 2006, there were more than 57 admitted cases of marijuana addicts.

Heroin

According to the 2006 reports, there are well over 540 heroin abusers admitted in various drug rehabs in Washington, D.C. Of this figure, 30% are female and nearly 15% belong to the age bracket of 36 to 40 years old. The 2006 statistics also shows that there were 12.1 kilograms of confiscated heroin and an average of 4% to 5% heroin-associated crimes that year.

Other drugs

Other narcotics like ecstasy, oxycodone, and oxycontin also have their fair share of availability in the underground market. More often than not, these drugs are sold through pharmaceutical diversion and theft. These illegal acts are usually done by drugstore workers and other individuals who forge medical prescriptions in exchange for money.

Alcohol

Washington, D.C. has reported more than 130 cases of people admitted in rehabilitation centers for alcohol treatment in 2006. This number is almost 29% of the total alcohol and drug recorded cases last year. This only shows that alcohol is still the number one abused substance in Washington, D.C.

Types of Drug Rehab and Alcoholism Treatment Programs in Washington, D.C.

There is an estimated number of 54 addiction treatment centers and drug rehab facilities all over Washington, D.C. All these house an approximate number of 5,152 patients who were admitted either for alcohol abuse or drug dependence. Reports show that 9 out of 10 addicts choose to undergo outpatient detox programs in the comforts of their own homes instead of entering rehab centers.

According to experts, the duration of a patient's participation in an addiction treatment procedure is a crucial consideration. Short-term treatment programs often last for 30 days while long-term programs are usually 180-day long. A patient is endorsed for a certain program depending on the extent of his substance abuse. Likewise, he is endorsed to a rehab program designed for his special needs.

District-of-columbia
 Washington