A Comprehensive List of the Most Drug Addicted Cities in America
If you’re looking to beat addiction, keeping your environment free from drugs, and negativity can help you stay in a sober mindset. This a great idea, especially considering the number of scary statistics coming in around the US as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.
But what do you do if city you’re living in is experiencing a drug crisis? Thankfully, many cities experiencing problems with drugs are investing in addiction treatment centers so that they can turn a fresh page.
What is America’s Most Common Drug Addiction?
Besides nicotine, alcohol is the most common drug addiction in the US. According to data by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 14 million people suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD) each year otherwise known as an alcohol addiction.
Marijuana use and addiction has also skyrocketed since its widespread legalization around the country. Despite the popular belief that marijuana is not addictive, researchers estimate that 1 out of 10 users will become addicted it.
Without any further discussion, here is a list of the top drug addicted American cities.
1.Cincinnati, Ohio
The city of Cincinnati was originally settled in 1788, shortly after the war of American Independence. Situated along the expansive Ohio river, Cincinnati’s economy grew rapidly by taking advantage of river-based trade. Today it has a large metropolitan city with a population of 290,000.
Despite serving as central hub for 10 Fortune 500 companies, Cincinnati has both an exceptionally high poverty rate at 25.2% and a medium household income that is over 3x lower than the national average. 3,4
Cincinnati’s economic disparities likely play a large role in their high rates of violent crime which far surpasses the national average. And where crime is involved, drugs always seem to follow.
Cincinnati has received national attention for its high levels of heroin, powdered and crack cocaine abuse. Overdoes have also become a serious problem. In 2017, Ohio had the 2nd highest rate of drug overdose in the whole country. This was also associated by a 50% rise in opioid overdoses in Cincinnati.
2.Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is Maryland’s largest city. A port town with an enormous population of 1.5 million people. Located above the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore is an is a point of departure for American made automobiles.
Baltimore is known for its rich history and famous seafood dishes. It is also well known for its high crime. In 2020, 2,773 died of drug and alcohol overdoses in the state of Maryland, most of them from Baltimore. 87% of those deaths were do due to fentanyl overdoses.
3.Detroit, Michigan
The city of Detroit has a population of 674,841 people. Once the prosperous heart of America’s auto industry, Detroit now holds second place for the nation’s highest poverty rate at 30.6%. Nevertheless, this city’s economic revenue comes from vehicle and aircraft manufacturing, information technology, finance and retail.
In 2018, it was reported that the state of Michigan had the fourth highest drug problem in the Country. Detroit, has been hit hard with an almost 2-decade old heroin epidemic that is being fueled by the recent rise in prescription opioid abuse as well as staggering unemployment and poverty.
4.Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, as our country’s third largest city, also boasts one of the nation’s most diverse economies. Unfortunately, it also has one of the nation’s largest drug problems.
According to a report by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Chicago’s transportation infrastructure such as its air, rail and highway systems make it a prime target for drug trafficking. In Chicago, the most abused drugs in circulation are heroin, cocaine marijuana and prescription painkillers.
5.Washington D.C.
The District of Columbia houses nearly 706,000 residents and is both a city and a quasi-state. An economic report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that leisure and hospitality, education and health, and business and professional services comprise the majority of jobs.
Given the amount of quality jobs available, it is no surprise that DC enjoys a high median household income of $92,266 annually. But despite being the seat of power for the country, it is not without its problems.
D.C. for example, often makes the top list of most cities with highest levels of drug abuse. Among the most popular drugs abused in the nation’s capital are cocaine and heroin which collectively account for 60% percent of treatment admissions.
Root Causes of Substance Abuse
The root causes of substance abuse can vary from person to person. People who are genetically predisposed to drug addiction might regularly abuse drugs as a result.
Substance abuse can also occur as a result of environmental circumstances. People who have friends and family who abuse drugs around them, especially those from lower income and high crime areas are more likely come in contact with and abuse drugs and alcohol.
A person’s mental and cognitive health are also factors in developing substance abuse. This can happen a couple of ways:
- Certain disorders like ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder, or depression have a higher likelihood of developing an addiction and abusing drugs.
- People with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety may look to drugs as a way to medicate away bad feelings.
If you or a loved one is seeking information on addiction or mental health resources please call (888) 564-4780.