Drug And Alcohol Addiction In Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City falls on the Missouri–Kansas border. Despite the name, a majority of its land and people fall on the Missouri side. Unfortunately, the Missouri side also deals with the majority of problems from drugs.
More than 600,000 people live in Jackson County, where Kansas City is located, over 70% of which reside in the city itself. Like much of the United States, the city is in the midst of an Opioid epidemic. With a strong presence of Mexican drug traffickers, however, Kansas City is also faced with a Methamphetamine crisis. Those working to get clean can benefit from therapies, support groups, and treatment medications (and more) offered within local treatment centers.
The Reach Of The Mexican Drug War
Presently, the nation is swept with the greatest drug epidemic in US history. From East to West, many states and cities are battling the Opioid crisis; Kansas City is no different. Unregulated synthetic drugs are distributed on the streets, and the reach of international drug trafficking organizations, DTOs, is growing, especially Mexican cartels who transport huge amounts of Cocaine, Methamphetamines, and Black Tar Heroin into the city.
Methamphetamines In Kansas City
While the amount of Methamphetamine produced locally in metropolitan Jackson County has steadily fallen, an influx of Meth still comes in from Mexican cartels. This Meth is then distributed to local and international DTOs for redistribution. One DTO ran a $5.4 million ring, moving over 700 pounds of Meth across the state. All things considered, the prevalence of Methamphetamine abuse is only made possible by these external DTOs.

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Black Tar Heroin In Kansas City
Pharmaceutical drugs are not the only Opioids on the street. Kansas City is located only 12 hours away from the Mexican border, and Black Tar Heroin from that country dominates the local drug markets. Dealers typically carry this form of Heroin in small amounts to ensure smaller charges if they are caught by law enforcement. This practice has become standard for the majority of dealers in Kansas City. What makes it even more dangerous, however, is the formation of a subculture of dealers and users. This strong network of people makes the drug more prevalent across Jackson County.
Marijuana And Synthetic Cannabinoids
Marijuana is the most widely distributed and easily accessible drug in Jackson County and Kansas City. This is partially because Marijuana carries less stigma than other drugs like Opioids, Methamphetamines, and even Benzodiazepines. However, while addiction is always a concern, there is a growing concern because many users are unable to distinguish between genuine Marijuana and Synthetic Marijuana.
Synthetic Marijuana can look similar to processed Marijuana, but actually be plant material sprayed down with chemicals. These chemicals vary in potency from 200 to 500 times stronger than THC. Because users generally have absolutely no knowledge of what goes into these chemicals, they increase their risk and could consume anything from a Stimulant to a Hallucinogen. One notorious strain of synthetic Marijuana, commonly referred to as “K2” or “Spice,” caused at least 3 deaths and 100 hospitalizations from January to March 2018 in Missouri.
Finding Treatment In Kansas City
Coming to terms with addiction can seem isolating. The decision to get better often means giving up an old life and familiar faces and friends to pursue a healthier one. The hardest step can be giving up the negative influences to pursue personal strength. In some cases, people find that going to a treatment center outside of their city, or even state, can help them avoid triggers that can lead to relapse.
If you or someone you love is battling addiction, consider looking for external help. For more information on treatment options, contact a treatment provider today.
Published:
Author
Jeffrey Juergens

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Jeffrey Juergens earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. Jeffrey’s desire to help others led him to focus on economic and social development and policy making. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. Jeffrey’s mission is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.
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