In Nebraska, addiction is a significant issue affecting many people across the state. Whether you're in the bustling city of Omaha or the more rural areas like Scottsbluff, the impact of drug and alcohol addiction is felt everywhere. The numbers paint a clear picture of how widespread this problem is.
Back in 2010, over 15,000 people in Nebraska sought help for addiction, with most of them being men. Alcohol and stimulants like methamphetamine are the biggest concerns. In fact, methamphetamine is the most commonly reported drug in treatment centers, followed closely by marijuana. Omaha, in particular, has seen a lot of problems with meth, especially the type known as “Ice” methamphetamine, which has been linked to violence and other crimes.
Alcohol addiction is another major issue. Thousands of people entered treatment for alcohol abuse in 2010, and the numbers have been rising since 2006. This shows that alcohol remains a persistent problem in Nebraska, affecting people in both cities and smaller towns.
While Nebraska has a lower rate of drug use compared to the national average, the impact is still severe. In 2007, 92 people in Nebraska lost their lives due to drug-related causes. Although this number is lower than deaths from car accidents or firearms, it highlights the serious consequences of drug use in the state.
Nebraska also faces challenges from drug trafficking, particularly from Mexico. Cities like Omaha are key points where drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana are brought into the state. This has led to increased efforts by law enforcement to combat drug-related crime and keep communities safe.