B.C Drug Abuse Situation and Resources

posted by admin on May 17, 2010 | category News

British Columbia has different situations with addiction depending on the geographical location. The situation is different in the rural locations compared to the major cities of the province. British Columbia has a different situation compared to the rest of the country due to its geographical location. The fact that B.C is a port of entry for Asia and the surrounding countries makes it easier for illegal drugs to enter the country.

In the rural and smaller cities, drugs such cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana are amongst the most popular drugs used. Alcohol stays the most popular “drug” abused probably due to the fact it is legal and it is often associated and promoted in the special events such as sports, festival etc. Even though there are more laws on the publicity of alcohol. A lot of major events are sponsored by alcohol companies.  The cultivation of marijuana in the rural section is very active. There are several reports that confirm that it becomes an alarming situation mainly due to the fact that B.C is a large territory to cover by the authorities. The cultivation of marijuana is a business of more than 7 billion per year. It can easily be exported the U.S.

The situation in the major cities is different and there is more diversity of drugs in the black market. Heroin remains available in Vancouver even if other pain killers such as oxycodone, morphine and methadone are available on the street. Vancouver is one of the only places in the world that has a safe injection site. It had brought a lot of controversy amongst the different authorities and medical field. Even if people have really good intentions. This type of facility does not replace proper treatment. There are some really good drug rehab centers in B.C where individuals can be gotten off of heroin and get therapy so they get their life back.

The city of Vancouver has a diversity of availability and abuse of different drugs. Cocaine and crack are readily available throughout the city. Club drugs such as ecstasy, GHB are popular in the adolescent and young adult population. Methamphetamine use has been increasing over the last years.The area is noted for a high incidence of poverty, drug use, sex trade, crime, as well as a history of community activism. The Downtown Eastside has a high incidence of HIV infection. Vancouver’s drug problem has grown steadily worse over the last decade. Vancouver’s needle exchange, the first in North America, opened in 1989, distributes about 3 million free needles per year to drug addicts.

There are services that can help you in to find a good drug rehab in British Columbia for you or someone you love.