Drug And Alcohol Addiction In Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield, California, located in Kern County, is fighting a deadly war against Methamphetamines, Opioids, and other drugs. In 2017, the county lost 533 residents (out of 100,000) due to drug-related deaths. According to one report, there was a 30% spike in overdose deaths over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic; from March of 2020 to March 2021 392 residents of Kern County died of a drug overdose.
Fortunately, California is home to many rehab and treatment facilities that provide various services to help free those suffering from abuse and addiction.
Methamphetamine Abuse In Bakersfield
Unlike most of the country, Methamphetamine use in Bakersfield is a greater cause for local concern than the Opioid epidemic, although both drugs are dangerous. Continuing increases in Methamphetamine use, Meth-related crimes, and addictions are greatly concerning state and local officials; drug-related arrests commonly include the substance and in the past, local police have confiscated 743 grams from a single local drug dealer.
Bakersfield is a high drug- trafficking area; in December of 2021 one Bakersfield resident pleaded guilty for smuggling over 100 pounds of meth from Mexico. It’s not just Kern County or surrounding areas in California that are affected by the illegal drug trade; recently, a man was arrested in Bakersfield for operating and distributing approximately 2,000 pounds of Meth in several different drug rings in both Northern Oklahoma and Missouri:
Today, a 13-count federal indictment was unsealed charging Luis Alfredo Jacobo with leading a continuing criminal enterprise that brought an estimated 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine into the Northern District of Oklahoma and southwestern Missouri for redistribution.
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The Opioid Epidemic In Bakersfield
Although Methamphetamine abuse is a greater local concern, Kern County has been hit very hard by the Opioid Epidemic. In 2016, the county experienced 54 fatal opioid-related overdoses; many of the victims were ages 60 to 65. Oildale, a smaller city in Kern County surrounding Bakersfield is known for its market for Heroin and other illicit drugs. Consequently, 1,600 drug-related deaths occurred in the small city, reflecting the high demand for illicit substances. Most of those battling with Opioid abuse start with prescription Opioids for severe injuries. Medical patients who take prescription Opioids develop a tolerance, transitioning to illicit Opioids like Heroin.
Hope for Recovery In Bakersfield
Although addiction is a terrible and tragic condition, all hope is not lost. Attempting to detox at home is dangerous and can lead to fatal results. Treatment not only includes 1 on 1 therapy, but also peer group exposure for connections and support. Taking the first step towards change is only one phone call away. Contact a treatment provider now.
