Mississippi Drug Rehab & Alcohol Rehab

The current drug problem in Mississippi

In many ways, the state of Mississippi is no different from any other state in the US in that there are growing numbers of incidences associated with the trafficking and distribution of illegal substances. Roughly one half of the southernmost portion of the state is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico which makes for easy entry of the drug trafficking organizations that bring illegal substances into the US from overseas. In addition to the ports of entry on the Gulf, there are the Interstate 20, 55, and 59 corridors that cross the state in all directions.

Another area of major concern regarding the drug problem in Mississippi is the fact that more and more teenagers are having issues with substance abuse, addiction, and dependency. Younger residents now comprise a large segment of the reported cases in the state. As of 2010, nearly 40% of all the high school seniors throughout the state had used marijuana on at least one occasion. Some have experimented with more dangerous and highly addictive substances such as cocaine and meth.

Additionally, alcohol is becoming an increasingly prevalent problem among the state’s teenagers. This plays a significant role in many fatalities and other substance abuse related ER visits, especially when it is combined with other illegal substances. Teens oftentimes overdose when they mix alcohol with addictive drugs or they get into fatal vehicle crashes. This also explains why the numbers of teen admissions into Mississippi drug rehab facilities are growing in number as well.

The following statistics reflect information that has been taken from the many addiction treatment and recovery centers throughout Mississippi:

• 73% of all alcoholics are male while 74% of those individuals who are addicted to alcohol and a primary drug are males
• 57% of all cocaine users are males while 43% are female
• nearly 61.5% of all heroin users are male while 38.5% are female
• 80% of all marijuana users are male while only 20% are female
• 58% of all meth users are male while 42% are female
• drug arrests in the state of Mississippi peaked in 2002 and hit a low point in 2006 but have been on a steady increase since then
• meth lab seizures peaked in 2002, then leveled off over the next several years, but are once again increasing

Mississippi is viewed as more of a transshipment state for illegal substances than a major point of distribution and sales. Trafficking occurs from its southern border to many destinations to the north and east once they enter the state from more western origination points. Mississippi is also witnessing an increase in the manufacturing of methamphetamine on the local level. This has become a significant area of concern with both the DEA and state law enforcement agencies.

The following information pertains to the five primary drug threats in the state of Mississippi according to the DEA:

• Club drugs – the most popular club or “date rape” drug, as they are oftentimes referred to, is Ecstasy. It is the drug of choice among a very select demographic, namely young Caucasians in the middle to upper economic class. Although there have been incidences involving GHB and ketamine.
• Cocaine – the most problematic substance being abused in Mississippi is cocaine. It is also responsible for a growing number of addiction treatment and recovery center admissions at many Mississippi drug rehab facilities. African-American street gangs and independent traffickers are primarily responsible for the majority of the cocaine that is being distributed, sold, and used in the state.
  Heroin – although it is not a primary drug threat in the state of Mississippi, the DEA and state law enforcement agencies are still keeping a watchful eye out for a sudden increase in the cases involving heroin. Most of the drug that is seized in the state is done so on the interstate and state highways where it is being shipped to large cities in the east and north such as Atlanta and Chicago.
• Marijuana – this substance is being regularly sold throughout the state and being used by all ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Most of the marijuana that is being distributed and purchased for use in Mississippi is coming from various points in Mexico.
• Methamphetamine – in-state manufacture of meth is a growing concern of the DEA and local law enforcement in the state as well as its importation, distribution , and use throughout the state. More and more meth labs are being seized every year in rural communities and admissions into addiction treatment and recovery centers are growing in number as well.

Getting the help you need for addiction

The numerous Mississippi drug rehab centers in the state typically offer two types of programs. On the one hand, you have the residential, in-patient programs while on the other hand, you have the out-patient ones. It is important to understand the differences between the two when it comes to making the decision to enroll in one or the other. They both address specific clinical needs of individuals whose addiction or dependency issues vary in intensity and severity.

The residential in-patient facilities are geared more towards the individual whose addiction is so severe that it has nearly become life-threatening. The person is required to move into the facility on a full-time basis until they have completed the entire Mississippi drug rehab program and have been cleared to return home to their community. They are typically referred into an aftercare program and enter one of the many local area support groups to continue the recovery process.

Out-patient programs target a slightly different group of individuals. These programs are ideal for the person who:

• cannot afford an in-patient program
• is the sole parent or guardian and provider of children in the home
• is pursuing their education
• is working a full-time job

For more information regarding a Mississippi drug rehab program, we encourage you to contact the DrugRehab.org referral service and speak with one of our representatives at the toll-free phone number listed above or simply fill out the form and we will contact you regarding your situation.