The Dangers of Drug Use

 Posted on December 15, 2017 in Drug Crimes

For many years, drugs have had a negative impact on society, which is a huge cause of injuries, illnesses, and even deaths. Every day, over 50 people die in the United States from a prescription drug overdose, and over 120 people die every day from overall drug abuse and overdose. Unfortunately, the statistics of the use of illegal drugs have increased for over seven years, and there have been alternatives to street drugs.

Drug Overdose Death Statistics

Chicago is well-known for its massive crime scenes and drug busts. In the urban areas of major cities, drugs, violence, and injuries often coincide. From the years 2007 to 2014, prescription drugs, cocaine, and heroin have caused thousands of deaths that could easily have been prevented.

• In 2007, prescription drug overdoses accounted for 19,601 deaths. Four years later, in 2011, the number of deaths caused by overdosing on prescription drugs increased to 22,810. In 2014, the number increased to 25,760 deaths caused by prescription drug overdoses.
• Cocaine overdoses accounted for 6,512 drug-related deaths in 2007. Four years later, in 2011, the number of cocaine overdoses decreased to 4,681. However, in 2014, the number of cocaine overdoses resulted in 5,415 deaths.
•  In 2007, heroin overdoses accounted for 2,402 deaths. In 2011, the number of deaths caused by heroin overdose rose to 4,397 deaths. In 2014, the number of heroin overdoses significantly increased to 10,574 deaths.

A Warning on Alternatives to Street Drugs

In December 2017, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to marketers and distributors of the products, Coco Loko and Legal Lean Syrup, for selling unapproved and misbranded drugs. Coco Loko is a chocolate powder that a person can “snort,” and Legal Lean Syrup is a type of drink. The warning explained how there were claims that the products were intended to serve as alternatives to street drugs, and could encourage potential drug abuse in individuals. A laboratory analysis conducted by the FDA showed that Legal Lean Syrup contained a pharmaceutical ingredient, doxylamine, that was not included on the product label and could also cause serious health risks.

Contact a Chicago Drug Crime Defense Attorney

The use of illegal drugs is a very dangerous and serious crime with undesired consequences. If you have been accused of a drug crime, you may lose employment opportunities and overall quality of life. At The Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney, we have represented our clients in criminal defense and federal criminal cases for over 27 years, so you will be guaranteed professional and effective legal representation. For a free initial consultation, please call a Chicago criminal defense lawyer at 312-629-0669 to discuss your case.

Sources:

https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm588585.htm

https://www.dea.gov/resource-center/2016%20NDTA%20Summary.pdf