Drug Rehabs in Kansas City, MO

Drug Addiction and Rehab 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.

Between prescription and illicit opioids in Jackson County, there were 101 related deaths in 2016, the majority of which were concentrated within city limits.

The Reach of the Mexican Drug War

Presently, the nation is swept with the greatest drug epidemic in U.S. history. From East to West, many states and cities are battling the opioid crisis, and 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. In December 2017, Kansas City reported the indictment of a DTO that ran a $5.4 million ring from January of 2015. They moved 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 cannabinoids.

Synthetic cannabinoids can look similar to processed marijuana, but it is actually plant material sprayed down with synthetic 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. The most recent strain of synthetic Marijuana, commonly referred to as “K2” or “Spice,” has caused 3 deaths and over 100 hospitalizations since from January to March 2018 in Missouri.

Finding Treatment in Kansas City

Coming to terms with addiction can be isolating. The decision to get better often means giving up an old life and familiar faces and friends, to pursue a better 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 shed their old life.

If you, or someone you love, are battling addiction, consider looking for external help. There are dedicated treatment providers standing by to answer all of your questions. If you are looking for a treatment center near you, in a new place, or don’t know where to go, try reaching out today.