Texas is a state in the southern United States and the second-largest state by land area. It has a diverse population of more than 29 million people, including many who struggle with substance abuse. The most common drugs in Texas include opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. In this article, we’ll look at each of these drugs and their prevalence in Texas.
Opioids:
Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription pain relievers such as OxyContin and Vicodin, and illicit drugs such as heroin. Opioid abuse is a serious problem in the state of Texas, which has the highest opioid-related death rate in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2,898 people died from opioid overdoses in Texas in 2018.
Methamphetamine:
Methamphetamine, also known as methamphetamine, is a highly addictive stimulant that can be smoked, injected, or smoked. Methamphetamine is a serious problem in Texas, which has the second-highest number of methamphetamine-related hospitalizations in the nation. According to the Texas Department of Public Health, 3,422 people in Texas were hospitalized for meth-related problems in 2019.
Cocaine:
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that can be snorted, snorted, or injected. Cocaine abuse is a serious problem in the state of Texas, which has one of the highest rates of cocaine use in the United States. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2019 1.6% of Texas residents reported having used cocaine in the past year.
Marijuana:
Marijuana is a drug derived from the cannabis plant used for both medical and recreational purposes. Recreational use of marijuana is illegal in Texas, but medical marijuana is legal under certain qualifying circumstances. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, 127,882 people were arrested for marijuana-related offenses in Texas in 2020, making it the state’s most arrested drug arrest.
Prescription:
Prescription drugs such as opioids, stimulants, and tranquilizers are a serious problem in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Health Services, 1,174 prescription drug overdose deaths occurred in Texas in 2019. Misuse of prescription drugs can lead to addiction and have serious health consequences, including overdose.
Other medicines:
In addition to the drugs listed above, there are several other drugs commonly abused in Texas. These include:
Synthetic Cannabinoids: Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as synthetic marijuana or spice, are synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of marijuana. These drugs can be dangerous and have been associated with serious health problems and even death.
Hallucinogens: Hallucinogens such as LSD and psilocybin mushrooms can alter a person’s perception of reality and can lead to intense and unpredictable experiences. Although these drugs are not as commonly abused as opioids and methamphetamine, they are still a serious problem in Texas.
Club Drugs: Club drugs like MDMA and GHB are often used at parties and clubs and can have dangerous effects including dehydration, overheating, and even death.
Overall, substance abuse is a significant problem in Texas affecting people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. It is treatable and recovery is possible.
Does Texas Have Strict Drug Laws?
Texas laws regarding illegal drugs can be very strict, based on the Texas Penal Code and the Texas Controlled Substances Act of 1973. Penalties can include heavy fines, imprisonment, six months of driving license suspension, and compulsory drug addiction treatment.