In late August, the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy released a presentation “Drug Trends in Iowa: Progress, Peril and Perseverance.” The presentation covers a variety of drug use and shows trends of use and abuse through the state. This article is a brief summary of some drug trends in Iowa.
When looking at methamphetamine production and abuse, there are good signs in Iowa, but the state still has a large meth problem.
Meth labs decreased by 88 percent from 10 years ago, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, from 1,500 down to just 174.
In 2014, more than 7,196 people in Iowa were admitted for meth treatment, which is the highest number in the past 14 years. Unfortunately, Iowa ranks 11th highest in the United States for meth treatment rate.
While laws have made meth harder to produce, there is still a long way to go to stop the use of methamphetamine Iowa.
Prescription drug abuse is a concern across the country. Children and adults are abusing opioids, stimulants, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-depressants and sedatives.
Iowa currently ranks as the 14th lowest state for prescription drug abuse; however, deaths from these drugs are at an all-time high. Keeping prescriptions locked away and properly disposing of old medication is an important way to keep these drugs away from children and others who may misuse the prescription.
Marijuana is Iowa’s most used illicit substance with 25.6 percent of Iowans in treatment listing marijuana as their drug of choice.
That number climbs higher when looking at juvenile use. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, 66.3 percent of juveniles entering substance abuse treatment listed marijuana as the primary substance they used.
The increased use of marijuana is also being seen on the road. In 2014, evaluations by Drug Recognition Experts found 428 people were impaired by marijuana use and 20 people who were killed in traffic related fatalities tested positive for marijuana in 2013. This growing trend is concerning as new and more potent forms of marijuana are making their way to the market.
After reviewing the information from the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy, it is clear while alcohol is Iowa’s most abused addictive substance, there are many other substances creating problems. Methamphetamines, prescription drugs, marijuana and synthetic drugs continue to plague our state.
Through education and enforcement of current laws, the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy strives to keep use and abuse rates declining in Iowa.