Clinically Reviewed by Sarah Hogan, MA LPC
Sarah is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 13 years of experience in the behavioral health field as well as a certified provider of Cognitive Processing Therapy for Trauma. She has extensive experience in counseling and case management with local mental health authorities, emergency homeless shelters, leading high acuity response teams, and serving first responders/veterans.
The drug crisis in Texas has been an ongoing issue for many years, with the state experiencing high rates of drug-related deaths, hospitalizations, and overdoses. The crisis is fueled by a combination of factors, including the availability of drugs, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare and addiction treatment.
The purpose of this blog post is to raise awareness of the most dangerous street drugs in Texas, their effects, and risks, and to provide information on seeking help for drug addiction. By promoting awareness and prevention measures, we hope to contribute to the effort to address the drug crisis in Texas and promote long-term recovery for those struggling with addiction.
Identifying the Most Dangerous Street Drugs in Texas
The criteria used to determine the most dangerous street drugs in Texas include the drug’s potential for addiction, the severity of its physical and psychological effects, the likelihood of overdose, and its prevalence in Texas. The drugs were selected based on their potential to cause harm to individuals and communities and the availability of statistical data to support their classification as dangerous drugs. It’s important to note that the classification of drugs as dangerous is not intended to stigmatize or shame those struggling with addiction but rather to raise awareness of the risks associated with drug use and to promote prevention measures and treatment options.
The Top 5 Most Dangerous Street Drugs in Texas
- Methamphetamine:
- Physical effects: increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature; decreased appetite; insomnia; dental problems
- Psychological effects: paranoia, aggression, psychosis, anxiety, hallucinations
- Potential for addiction and dependence: high
- Likelihood of overdose: high
- Prevalence in Texas: According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, methamphetamine was involved in over 1,400 overdose deaths in Texas in 2019.
- Fentanyl:
- Physical effects: respiratory depression, sedation, nausea, constipation
- Psychological effects: confusion, euphoria, drowsiness
- Potential for addiction and dependence: high
- Likelihood of overdose: very high
- Prevalence in Texas: According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl seizures in Texas increased by 650% between 2017 and 2019.
- Cocaine:
- Physical effects: increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature; dilated pupils; decreased appetite
- Psychological effects: euphoria, agitation, anxiety, paranoia
- Potential for addiction and dependence: high
- Likelihood of overdose: high
- Prevalence in Texas: According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 426,000 Texans reported using cocaine in 2019.
- Heroin:
- Physical effects: slowed breathing, nausea, constipation, dry mouth
- Psychological effects: euphoria, drowsiness, clouded mental functioning
- Potential for addiction and dependence: high
- Likelihood of overdose: high
- Prevalence in Texas: According to the Texas Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force, heroin was involved in over 1,100 overdose deaths in Texas in 2019.
- Synthetic Cannabinoids:
- Physical effects: rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion
- Psychological effects: hallucinations, paranoia, anxiety, psychosis
- Potential for addiction and dependence: high
- Likelihood of overdose: high
- Prevalence in Texas: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), synthetic cannabinoid overdoses have been reported in multiple Texas cities, with a total of 805 cases reported in 2018.
Consequences of Drug Use in Texas
Drug use in Texas has significant impacts on individuals, families, and communities. The consequences of drug use can be both physical and emotional and can lead to severe health problems, social and economic issues, and increased crime rates.
The impact of drug use on individuals includes addiction, overdose, and increased risk of contracting infectious diseases through injection drug use. The psychological effects of drug use can also lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
Drug use can also have a significant impact on families, as they often bear the burden of caring for individuals struggling with addiction, which can lead to financial, emotional, and social strains. Children of individuals with addiction may also be at risk of neglect, abuse, or other adverse childhood experiences.
Communities also suffer from the impact of drug use, as it can lead to increased crime rates, including property crimes and violent crimes. The cost of healthcare and treatment for individuals with addiction can also put a strain on local resources.
Statistical data supports the significant impact of drug use on individuals, families, and communities in Texas. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there were over 3,000 overdose deaths involving opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, and synthetic cannabinoids in Texas in 2019. The Texas Department of Public Safety also reported that drug-related arrests in Texas increased by 15% between 2015 and 2019. These statistics highlight the need for increased awareness and prevention measures to address the drug crisis in Texas and promote long-term recovery for those struggling with addiction.
Resources for Those Struggling with Drug Addiction in Texas
Individuals struggling with drug addiction in Texas have access to various resources, including the evidence-based addiction treatment programs provided by us here at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch. Other resources available include SAMHSA National Helpline, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Department of State Health Services, Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and other resources for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
Seeking help and treatment for drug addiction is crucial, as it is a chronic and potentially deadly disease. Treatment options offered by Plum Creek Recovery Ranch include medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, support groups, and counseling, which can improve an individual’s chances of recovery and reduce the risk of relapse. We will help provide you with much-needed support and guidance on the journey to recovery. Give us a call at (512) 488-1128 to learn more about how we can help.
