America Is the World’s Largest Consumer of Cocaine

In a recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the report elucidated that the United States is the number-one consumer of cocaine in the world. This statistic, while not surprising, shows that there is a moderate percentage of the American population that is struggling with a cocaine addiction. Many families know the heartache of sending loved ones to drug rehab centers in cities across the country, such as Los Angeles.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report showed that the United States consumes 37 percent of the world’s cocaine supply every year. The report also demonstrated that over 1.5 percent of Americans use cocaine, and each individual uses about 42 grams of the drug per year. Many cocaine users will end up being addicts for the rest of their lives if they do not seek medical treatment for their addictions.

The U.S. CIA reports that a majority of the cocaine in the U.S. is shipped from Colombia through Mexico and the Caribbean. The CIA estimates that Americans spend nearly $35 billion a year on cocaine; the majority of users begin using because their peers are doing it. The trend of cocaine use has declined over the last 10 years, but there are still many people who need to seek treatment for their substance abuse.

These statistics may not come as a shock to many families, who have had to watch this highly addictive drug destroy many loved ones’ lives. Often the most helpful solution is to send the addicts to drug rehab centers where they can treat their addiction in safe environments. Cocaine addiction affects people from all demographics and areas, including cities like Los Angeles.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 13 percent of addicts being admitted into drug rehab centers were addicted to cocaine. People ages 18 to 25 have the highest rate of cocaine use of any age demographic, and men have a higher rate of cocaine use than women. Cocaine abuse is popular in many cities, including Los Angeles.

Identifying when a loved one needs help is key for the individual’s recovery. Often there are other underlying mental health issues that have pushed the individual to use drugs. Seeking professional help for loved ones at drug rehab centers is often the most effective way to treat substance abuse. A person in any city can become an addict — even in Los Angeles, the addict must make some drastic changes to his or her life if he or she wants to be able to stop using drugs.

Lura Briggs is a health writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Miramar Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers. Follow on Twitter.