Menacing Meth Rocks Phoenix
Being so close to the boarder between the U.S. and Mexico has left Phoenix, Arizona in a vulnerable position as methamphetamine is being smuggled into the state in large amounts.
The primary drug threat to Arizona is methamphetamine. The drug is abused across the state, mainly due to the fact that low cost, high purity meth is readily available no matter where one lives. Crystal meth has become increasingly available throughout the state and in some areas, it has been reported that its levels of abuse are Meth in all its forms has been around for many years and the problem does not seem to be going anywhere.
Meth in Phoenix
Arizona serves as one of the largest drug gateways in the United States, and Phoenix is already a major hub for illicit activity. Drugs and violence go hand in hand and in 2012, the average violent crime rate in the city was 373 per 100,000, exceeding the national average by a whopping 159. In 2013, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Maricopa County compiled a report which showed a total 18,334 arrests that were related to drugs. In recent years, there has been an increase of drug trafficking in Arizona. Authorities report that there has been a significant rise in the import of methamphetamine into the state.
A growing problem is the smuggling of crystal meth from the country's border. Methamphetamine seized by law enforcement this fiscal year exceeded the total seized last year. Between October and May, over 3,240lb of meth was seized by officers of the US Customs and Border Protection at Arizona ports of entry. Locally manufactured meth is decreasing as much of it is brought in from Mexico. Imported meth are preferred as its purity level is extremely high and the cost is low. Meth that is coming through Mexican cartels has even reached rural areas and small towns across the United States. The demand for meth and crystal meth has brought about an increase in the amounts brought in from the border.
"Several years ago we weren't having much crystal meth imported into Vanderburgh County, but that's something that's kind of on the rise right now. Our narcotics officers are starting to combat that problem," said Sheriff Dave Wedding of Vanderburgh County. "We're seeing a switch from people manufacturing their own meth here locally to having it imported. Crystal meth seems to be more popular of the two presently but it's coming in from outside the states right now."
Treatment for Meth Addiction
It's been well documented how addictive meth is with the rising numbers and Arizona is one of the states that has been hit the hardest by addiction within the last year. 38% of the addicts in the state are battling against meth, according to a 2015 study. Fighting back against this toxic drug has been a mission among the officials and residents of Phoenix, which is evident by the various programs available to anyone in need of help. For many, the first step towards sobriety when trying to overcome an all consuming meth addiction is a urine drug test to gauge the amount of the drug remaining in the body. Knowing how to obtain this type of test and where to go can be overwhelming to say the least. It doesn't have to be, though! Health Street offers a 5, 9, 10, 12 and 14 panel drug test that can provide you with just the answers you're looking for as you start down the road towards recovery. Feel free to give us a call at 888-407-7650 or contact one of our local drug testing locations in Phoenix.
