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Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Information in Benton, Wisconsin

Overview of Alcohol and Drug Trafficking and Abuse in Benton, Wisconsin

In 1848, Wisconsin became the 30th state to be admitted to the Union. This state is located in the Northeastern part of the US surrounded by Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan. With a population of more than 5.53 million people and a land area that covers 56,153 sq mi, Wisconsin ranks as number 41 among the states with violent crimes in 2006. The primary cause of these crimes is alcohol and drug abuse. In 2005, 200 people were arrested due to suspected involvement in the use and trade of illegal substances and participation in other drug-related crimes. Although this figure is the lowest since 2001, the average annual arrest remains at 245. The present drug trend in Wisconsin revealed that the state will experience more drug-related crimes with the increasing trade and sale of illegal substances. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that over 135,000 or almost 3% of Wisconsin residents reported illegal substance abuse or drug dependence the previous year.

Alcohol and Drug Trafficking Information in Benton, Wisconsin

The Southeastern counties of Wisconsin particularly Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, and Milwaukee are considered as hot spots or crucial areas that serve as entry points and selling places of illegal narcotics. These areas became ideal for organized drug syndicates to transport their dangerous products because of their proximity to Lake Michigan. For many years, Lake Michigan has served as a fast and effective route for transporting drugs to neighboring states.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the local authorities have combined forces in response to the alarming figure of alcohol- and drug-related problems in Wisconsin. They aim to put strict measures in Benton, Wisconsin to solve crimes caused by illegal drugs. Likewise, they also plan to bust drug operations dominated by Mexican, Hispanic, African-American, Asian, Dominican, South American, and Nigerian organized syndicates.

They have also set up groups that will help carry out actions against drug smuggling. These include the DEA Mobile Enforcement Teams, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HITDA), and the Wisconsin State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse. Mobile Enforcement Teams or MET is a cooperative project of the local and state authorities to prevent and solve violent crimes related to drug dependence and alcohol abuse. Since its establishment in 1995, four MET units have already been deployed in Wisconsin. These units are assigned to the counties of Milwaukee, Beloit, and Racine.

To closely monitor the areas of drug smuggling, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HITDA) program was also established. At present, this program has given special attention to Waukesha, Racine, Milwaukee, and Kenosha—counties with higher risks of illicit substance trade. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse was established by the governor's office to lead and coordinate state issues that concern alcohol abuse and substance addiction. Furthermore, 15 officers of the task force group were assigned in Wisconsin to prevent both drug smuggling and addiction.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Information in Benton, Wisconsin

Cocaine

Both rock and powder cocaine are easily obtained from the black market. Last 2006, more than 53 kilograms of cocaine were confiscated by government authorities. Data shows that almost 300 juveniles and nearly 5,500 adult were arrested because of cocaine trade. Meanwhile, an average of 80 to 90 juvenile and 1,400 individuals were jailed due to cocaine possession. Of the 19,806 recorded admissions concerning substance abuse treatment and drug rehabilitation, 7.7 % or more than 1,500 of these cases were of cocaine addiction.

Heroin

This is an in demand narcotic in Benton, Wisconsin because of its high quality. The level of heroin purity reaches 95%, which provides the abusers the options of either snorting of injecting it. Heroin is a drug largely popular among young adults and teenagers. The 2006 statistics shows that only 1.9% of total admitted drug dependents were heroin users, wherein 34% are females and nearly 20% are 41 to 45 years old. Last year, the total amount of confiscated heroin was 2.1 kilograms.

Marijuana

This has become an all-time favorite illegal substance among teens and adults in Benton, Wisconsin because it is easily acquired. In 2005, 97.8 kilograms of marijuana were confiscated by the Federal government. Meanwhile, only 15.2 kilograms of marijuana were seized in 2006. This drug is most popular among people between 18 and 20 years old. As a matter of fact, it was reported that in 2006, 24% of marijuana users belong to that age group.

Methampethamine

The production and smuggling of methampethamine or meth in Wisconsin is simply an extension of those from the surrounding states of Iowa and Minnesota. Last 2005, the DEA, in cooperation with the local and state authorities, apprehended and closed 55 laboratories that were suspected or caught producing meth in Wisconsin. Reports say that 0.6% of the patients in drug rehabs were meth users and that 20% of this figure are aged between 21 and 25 years of age.

Other Drugs

Among the illegal substances that are also smuggled in Benton, Wisconsin are ecstasy, oxycodone, and oxycontin. Compared to other narcotics, these drugs are not readily available due to their expensive production cost. Hence, these are least popular drugs among abusers. Ecstasy, oxycodone, and oxycontin, which are usually called club or designer substances, are commonly acquired during parties in bars or clubs.

Alcohol

Like anywhere in the world, alcohol is considered a mood-altering drug in Benton, Wisconsin. It is popular among teens and adults. In 2006, 71.1% of total substance abusers were admitted in alcohol treatment programs to help them withdraw from alcohol abuse. This figure is roughly more than 14,000 cases, where over 3,200 were also hooked on drugs.

Types of Drug Rehab and Alcoholism Treatment programs in Benton, Wisconsin

As of 2003, there are more than 300 drug rehab facilities that house over 18,000 patients admitted for alcohol abuse and drug addiction. Some of these rehab centers are ran by the government while the others are privately owned. Generally, there are two types of drug rehab treatments: the outpatient and the in-patient.

Drug detoxification is the first stage in most treatment programs. This is an important stage as it helps abusers withdraw from the substance. Likewise, it effectively helps one's body stop the drug cravings. Most detox programs were designed to promote and restore their patients' health. Since there are varying cases and degrees of substance abuse and addiction, detox programs differ from one another, depending on the doctor's recommendations.