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Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Information in Lynchburg, MississippiOverview of Drug and Alcohol Trafficking and Abuse in Lynchburg, MississippiMississippi is a very strategic location for illegal drug shippers. This southeast state has progressive land, air, and water transport systems. It has highways that are thoroughly developed, river port areas that are loosely guarded, and a significant number of airports. This “Big River” state (sometimes called “Father of Waters”) has 82 administrative divisions with a total land area of 48,434 square miles and a coast boundary of 362 miles. Hence, it is easy for organized crime groups to trade wholesale and retail illicit drugs here. Mississippi also provides link between US states and Southern countries where illegal drugs usually come from. This state is not only an ideal route for narcotics trafficking, but a key point for bulk production of illegal substances as well. It has a population of more than 2.8 million and ranks number 31 in the list of states with violent crimes—a portion of this rate is narcotics and alcohol-related crimes. If we are to trace the US history, Mississippi was the last among the American states to repeal its law in 1966 that allows its citizen to drink alcoholic beverages. This is notwithstanding the issue that alcohol abuse could get worse. Alcohol is also considered in various counties as a mood- and mental-changing drug, making it popular not only among adults but among youth as well. Drug and Alcohol Trafficking Information in Lynchburg, MississippiIllegal drugs usually enter the Lynchburg, Mississippi area through the Gulfport (a Southeast city of Mississippi located before the Gulf of Mexico) and Pascagoula (a major port entry in the extreme Southeast portion of Mississippi located at the mouth of the river). From the key entry ports, the illicit substances are traded and sold to the nearby states of Illinois and Louisiana. Drugs are secretly trafficked through airports, rail transports, and public vehicles. These are sold in various urban and suburban places in different counties in Mississippi. The counties that fall under the responsibility of the HIDTA or High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area are Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Jackson, Lafayette, Madison, and Rankin. Since drugs can easily penetrate Lynchburg, Mississippi, government authorities try to implement strict security measures around the state's various port areas. Programs and teams were established to carry out drug policies, stop the modus operandi of drug lords, and prevent drug-related crimes. Two of these teams are the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) MET and RET. The MET (Mobile Enforcement Team) is a joint effort of the local and national law enforcers to solve crimes that are related to illegal drug use and trafficking. There are seven units of MET deployed in different cities in Mississippi namely Greenville, Gulfport, Grenada, Hancock County, and Hattiesburg. Meanwhile, the RET (Regional Enforcement Team) has not deployed units to Mississippi yet. Likewise, the HIDTA has facilitated programs such as the Major Investigations Team, North Mississippi Methamphetamine Enforcement Team, and Tri-County Major Investigations Team, in response to the growing problems of illegal drug use and trafficking. Drug and Alcohol Abuse Information in Lynchburg, MississippiCocaine. This is a marketable narcotic in the state because of its reasonable price and highly euphoric effects. Crack or rock cocaine, which is more popular than its powder counterpart, is widely distributed in different counties in Mississippi by the Drug Trafficking Organization or DTO whose members are mainly from Columbia and Mexico. There are also reports that certain African-American syndicates also participate in the selling of illicit drugs in Mississippi. In 2006, nearly 400 kilograms of cocaine were seized by the authorities through their extensive campaign against illegal drug use. Despite the government's efforts to prevent drug dependence, over 10,000 cases of substance abuse treatment and drug rehabilitation were still recorded in Mississippi—21.7% of these cases are cocaine addiction. Each year, an average of 142 cases of cocaine-related crimes are sentenced by the Mississippi court. Heroin. There are few reported cases of violence and crime involving the use heroin in Lynchburg, Mississippi. Authorities said that these are but isolated cases, hence they claimed that heroin poses a lesser threat compared to other narcotics sold in Lynchburg, Mississippi. However, the local government still does its best to totally eliminate heroin trafficking in the state. Marijuana. In 2006, over 1,100 kilograms of marijuana have been seized by the authorities, which indicates a widespread trading of this dangerous drug. This narcotic, which came from the cannabis plant, is in demand among teenagers and college students. As a matter of fact, almost 20% of the 10,000 total cases admitted in drug rehabs were hooked on marijuana. Most marijuana users are aged between 12 to 25 years old, and 20% of them are female. Meth or Methamphetamine. This narcotic is next to cocaine when it comes to popularity. Due to its cheaper cost, longer effects, and wider availability, meth supersedes cocaine or crack in the top list of drugs illegally used in Lynchburg, Mississippi. In 2006, there were 522 listed cases of meth addiction, where 41.8% are females. Other Drugs. There were some minor cases of ecstasy, oxycodone, and oxycontin trafficking and use in Lynchburg, Mississippi. Statistics shows that there is an annual average of 31 sentenced court cases that are related to abuse of these drugs. These illegal substances are usually obtained through diversion or theft. Drugstore workers steal these medicines from pharmacies and illegally sold them to users. Alcohol. The average percentage of alcohol dependence cases admitted in rehabilitation centers is between 22% and 23%. Meanwhile, those who drink alcohol and use illegal substances at the same time account for 17% to 19% of the total number of cases of drug and alcohol dependence in Mississippi. Types of Drug Rehab and Alcoholism Treatment Programs in Lynchburg, MississippiRecords show that there are 117 centers that provide addiction treatment to over 6,700 patients in Mississippi. Aside from drug addiction, these centers also offer alcohol treatment. These treatment centers offer different rehab programs based on their patients' needs. More often than not, drug detox is part of the program. Drug detox is administered by clinicians to help patients overcome drug withdrawal symptoms. While detoxification is a difficult stage, it is proven to be effective in the long run. Mississippi
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