New report finds drug addiction on the rise in Mexico
Recent news out of Mexico is not good. Experts agree that unless something is done to turn the tide, the country that borders the United States to the south may become a “narco-state”, run by drug cartels instead of government officials and overrun by drug addicted individuals.
And while the drug wars of Mexico are well documented, less is known about the high rates of drug addiction that are currently consuming the country.
Consider the following statistics put forth by experts in the United States government:
- Since the year 2002, chronic drug use among the citizens of Mexico has nearly doubled - now affecting over 500,000 across the country.
- 5% of the population (over 3.5 million people) report having used drugs in the past year.
- Cocaine addiction rates have risen 30% since 2002
- Also in that time frame, drug addiction rates among women and children age 12 to 17 have more than doubled.
Mexico is at a disadvantage in terms of drug treatment programs. There are nowhere near the number of facilities available to Mexicans that Americans enjoy throughout the country. This is especially true in poor areas where the drug use rates are at their highest.
A significant jump in crime rates have accompanied this increase in drug use. American tourists are robbed or worse with regularity, which along with the troubled economy in the U.S. has all but crippled the industry.
Mexico is in need of a non-corrupt government that is dedicated to educating the populace about the dangers of drug abuse. This will turn the tide and hopefully begin to create a demand for drug rehab facilities that are accessible to all socio-economic groups within the country.
Until that day arrives, one can only hope for a miracle to turns things around in the diverse, beautiful country of Mexico,
Tags: drug addiction, drug rehab, mexico