Ohio is not unlike other states – it has an epidemic of drug trafficking and abuse. Cocaine, marijuana, club drugs, methamphetamine and heroin are widely abused and available in the state. Drug-related violence, as a result, has increased throughout the state. The majority of the drugs enter the state from Mexico and Colombia. Marijuana is locally produced in Ohio. The mild climate and vast rural area has made the trade profitable. Powder and crack cocaine are a big problem in Ohio. Most of the supply comes into the state from California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Texas.
Heroin abuse is on the rise in Ohio. The state Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services data estimates that hospital admission and emergency room visits have increased due to heroin use. Heroin enters Ohio from New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Detroit. The heroin trade has resulted in an increase in violent crime.
Locally produced methamphetamine has declined over the past few years since the ban on ephedrine products. The use of club drugs, however, has slowly increased in the state. MDMA (ecstasy) is the most popular drug, especially at colleges and universities, where rave parties are popular. Most of the supply comes from Europe and Canada. The cost of ecstasy – about 20 dollars a pill – has made it an accessible drug for college students.
As in other states, prescription drug abuse has increased and overdoses and deaths are common.
For Immediate Help Call
(216) 763-2678
24 hours a day
For more information on state-funded treatment programs in Ohio contact,
www.odh.ohio.gov
The Ohio Department of Health,
246 N. High Street,
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Alcoholics Anonymous
Akron 330-253-8181
Canton 330-491-1989
Cincinnati 513-351-0422
Dayton 937-222-2211
Mansfield 419-522-4800
Sandusky 419-625-5995
Toledo 419-380-9862
Youngstown 330-270-3000
Narcotics Anonymous
Statewide 800-587-4232
Cincinnati 513-820-2947
Columbus 614-252-1700
Dayton 937-640-1813
Toledo 419-250-6262
Call (216) 763-2678
