NCJ Number
204359
Date Published
April 2001
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This document presents the status and outlook of the drug threat in the State of Ohio.
Abstract
Production, distribution, and abuse of illegal drugs continue to pose a serious threat to the safety and security of the citizens of Ohio. Most of the violent crime, such as assaults, drive-by shootings, and domestic violence committed is attributed to the distribution and abuse of powdered cocaine and crack, which constitutes the primary drug threat. The rising availability of higher purity, lower cost heroin is leading to an expanding user population and greater risks to users that are younger than ever before. Since high purity heroin can be smoked or snorted effectively, users’ perceptions of the risks of heroin use, particularly by injection, are reduced. In-State methamphetamine production has become a significant issue for law enforcement agencies throughout Ohio and is not limited to rural areas of the State. The use of methamphetamine by older teens and those in their early twenties is increasing. These new, younger users generally are from middle- to upper-class neighborhoods and do not view methamphetamine as dangerous or addictive. Marijuana remains the most abused drug, and abuse among residents under 18-years-old ranks highest among all age groups. Ohio’s rural locations provide opportunities to grow cannabis outdoors; however, sophisticated indoor growing operations are producing high quality marijuana, and their number has increased. Club drugs such as MDMA and GHB are growing in popularity in most urban areas of the State where raves are also increasing. The perception of club drugs as harmless has led to increased abuse and in some cases, death. Pharmaceutical diversion is now recognized as a significant problem in Ohio. OxyContin, a commonly prescribed pain reliever, is particularly popular in southern Ohio, where authorities believe it has been responsible for at least 15 deaths since 1999. Other commonly diverted prescription drugs are Dilaudid, Percocet, Tylenol with Codeine No. 3, Valium, and Vicodin.