AHS Views

Despite any stereotypes about drug users, there is no definite outline of an addict.

There is not a single gene that defines one, or a certain family background, favorite food or economic status either. It’s not like only the rich can afford to use drugs or only the poor use certain type of drugs. It is intermingled.

However, some drugs do cost more than others generally.

Recent information from the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reveals some of the world’s drug prices. It found that heroin could range from $50 to a few hundred dollars per gram, depending on the type and purity. Cocaine, which is often considered one of the most expensive drugs, averaged out to be about $100 per gram. However, crack-cocaine can be purchased for about $20 per rock and another stimulant, methamphetamine, is manufactured and sold at prices much less than cocaine.

Marijuana prices varied greatly depending on the potency of THC content, but generally averaged around $15 per gram, while Ecstasy has remained fairly steady at an average of $25 per pill.

Underground markets have also developed for pharmaceuticals, everything from painkillers, to sedatives and stimulants. Kids sell their Ritalin pills at school for $5 and dealers specialize in Oxycontin, selling 20 mg pills for about $15.

There have also been newer drug combinations, such as “cheese” found in Texas, which is a little bit of heroin mixed with over-the-counter painkillers. This was specifically targeted toward kids, both in marketing tactics and price.

A report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also states that more than one million kids tried inhaling household products in 2005. This means that it was basically FREE, and is a disturbing statistic.

The problem is that there will always be a product to meet the demand, and therefore more prevention efforts that work should be used, diverting funds from the supply reduction to education practices.

What’s your take on the illicit drug market?

Article by Eric

Digg It | Reddit | Newsvine Seed

Add to your bookmarks in:
del.icio.us | Yahoo! | Google | Furl | ma.gnolia | Spurl