Profile On Substance Abuse And Addiction In California

The most abused substances in the State of California are tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs.

a) Tobacco misuse: Teenage smoking in California was at its highest in the 1990's, a period which saw many teens indulge in cigarette smoking. Although the problem of teen cigarette smoking is still there, the rate has drastically reduced since the 1990's. Figures also reveal a big drop in male adults who smoke cigarettes, in comparison to other states. The rate of men cigarette smoking fell from 29% in 1988 to 23% in 1993. In the same period, the rate of Californian women smokers fell from 24% to 17%. While the reduction of smoking rates amongst all the three groups can be attributed to the increase in tobacco excise taxes in 1989, the endeavors of state authorities through such agencies as department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) cannot be underrated.

b) Alcohol misuse: Alcohol drinking amongst Californian youth has continued to increase since the 1980's to the present times. The common drinking pattern noted being binge drinking. However, the number of adult males indulging in alcohol drinking has somehow remained constant in the same period, standing at 75%. Alcohol misuse is being contained by actions of state agencies. The collaboration between the state's Departments of Justice and that of motor vehicles has gone a long way in reducing injuries and deaths resulting from drink driving. The numbers of those arrested while drunk has dropped significantly from 1989, when over 325,000 were arrested to slightly over 224,000 in 1993. The number of drivers who drink-drive has also reduced since drivers caught is offered treatment while serving their jail terms.

c) Illicit Drugs: The common illicit drugs that find their way into California are cocaine, Marijuana and Heroin. From studies conducted in 1991, 17% of Californians had used illicit drugs that year, compared to 13% of all Americans. The study indicated that the use of illicit drugs was on the upward trend and it still is. Californian youth have indulged in illicit drug use in large numbers since the 1989, jumping from 11% from 1989 to 22% in 1993. This increase can be attributed to the ease of accessing such drugs by the youth. From a survey conducted by the Department of Education and ADP, school dropouts are responsible for this dangerous increase.

While the use of alcohol and tobacco may be on the decline or steady, the use of illicit drugs has continued to increase, with youth consumers leading. This has led to increased crime incidents, which has resulted in an increase in Californian prison population. California's Department of Corrections (CDC) reports that 77% and 83% male and female convicts respectively have serious substance abuse and addiction problems. The areas common with drugs are Los Angeles, San Diego and San Jose, the same areas from where most inmates are arrested.

Illicit drugs such as marijuana may be available locally, but others like cocaine and heroin are illicitly imported into California by drug barons operating from within and outside the state.