Cocaine Abuse Statistics

Cocaine Stats: National Statistics on Use

Cocaine is a drug derived from the coca plant. Its components are extracted and converted into cocaine, the drug that is now on a Schedule II listing and found illegally throughout America. Cocaine does have medical applications, but it’s rarely used today thanks to an improvement in the anesthetic drugs available to medical providers.

Looking at cocaine statistics, the government can get an idea of how widespread the use of cocaine is and if there has been a rise in deaths from cocaine use. Cocaine abuse statistics from around the globe also show where cocaine in the United States is being imported from, so it can be limited better through the correct means.

Cocaine is usually found as a white salt version. This white powder feels soft, like baby powder.

On the other hand, crack cocaine looks more like small pieces of salt or rock. It may appear slightly pink or off-white. Both are dangerous and may have immediate, life-threatening side effects.

At FHE Health, we want you to read more about these cocaine facts so you can understand the seriousness of this illicit drug’s impact on you and others in the United States.

How Does Cocaine Rank Against Other Drugs?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that there were around 1.5 million cocaine users over the age of 12 as of 2015. In 2011, cocaine was involved in 505,224 of 1.3 million emergency room visits due to drug abuse. Between 2006 and 2010, U.S. cocaine consumption dropped by around 50%.

Unfortunately, cocaine overdose deaths are still rising. In addition, the amount of land that is being used to produce coca, the plant responsible for cocaine, has doubled between 2013 and 2015, showing that the drug is still widely available.

Where Is Cocaine Most Popular in the United States?

Cocaine is believed to be the second-most commonly used drug in America. The cities with the highest cocaine use rates include:

1. Phoenix, Arizona (23.3% of the population has used cocaine)
2. Mesa, Arizona (22.5%)
3. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (22%)
4. Tulsa, Oklahoma (21.8%)
5. Omaha, Nebraska (22.2%)
6. Las Vegas, Nevada (21.9%)
7. Wichita, Kansas (21.8%)
8. Fresno, California (21.8%)
9. Tucson, Arizona (21.8%)
10. Colorado Springs, Colorado (21.8%)

Cities with the most overall drug use, including cocaine mixtures, include:

• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Wichita, Kansas
• Omaha, Nebraska
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Mesa, Arizona
• Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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How Many Deaths Are Related to Cocaine Use in the United States?

Cocaine-related deaths rose from 3,822 in 1999 to 13,942 in 2017, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. While the number of deaths related to cocaine use on its own has remained relatively steady, deaths due to cocaine mixed with opioid drugs have increased significantly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1 in 5 of all overdose deaths are linked to cocaine (23%) as of 2019. This is just slightly higher than the total number of overdose deaths from heroin (22%).

Out of the U.S. states, West Virginia has the highest rate of drug-related overdoses, with around 58 overdose deaths per 100,000 people.

Cocaine Abuse Facts and Treatment Statistics

How Popular Is Cocaine Globally?

Cocaine is found in countries all around the world. It’s consumed by around 18 million people worldwide, and its use peaked in 2017, according to a report from the United Nations.

Seventy percent of global cocaine production takes place in Colombia, where the coca bush is found. It’s then shipped out and smuggled into countries around the globe.

Among the biggest users of cocaine in the world are:

A more recent 2016 report indicated that it’s the United States that is the primary user of cocaine in the world. The United States consumes approximately 37% of the world’s cocaine each year.

Which Demographics Are Most Likely to Use or Abuse Cocaine?

Adults between the ages of 18 and 25 are most likely to use cocaine. Approximately 1.4% of young adults reported using cocaine within the last month in the 2014 survey. Interestingly, baby boomers are among the most likely to use cocaine, and cocaine abuse among this demographic increased to 11.4% from 2.9% in 2010.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health points out that cocaine use is significantly higher among Whites (16.9%) than Hispanics (11.6%) or Blacks (9.7%).

What Is the Public Opinion or Perception of Cocaine Use?

Cocaine has been around for a long time. Cocaine is widely available, which makes it easier to get. It’s one of the few drugs that come with the idea of being “popular” or in with a specific “high-class” group, and it’s considered a middle-class drug.

Initially, it was a recreational drug that was isolated in the more prosperous groups in society. Today, the drug environment is a little more relaxed, and of the drugs that people could use, cocaine often isn’t taken as seriously. Many start out taking coke as a way to enhance their experience at a party or club, and you might have, too, but it’s quick to cause addiction and a downward spiral in social circles.

In reality, cocaine is seen as a glamorous drug, despite the fact that it’s addictive and harmful to your health. The reason its seen this way is because of how expensive it is and the fact that it’s often found among the wealthy, such as entertainers.

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How Much Does Cocaine Use Cost the United States Annually?

There are few statistics on just how much cocaine use costs the United States. It’s believed that people in the United States spend around $35 billion a year on cocaine. On top of that, the government, hospitals, and taxpayers have to absorb expenses such as:

• The cost of supporting the criminal justice system and the prison system
• Substance abuse treatment program costs
• Hospital emergency room costs
• Lost work hours and financial losses in the economy

Get Help If You’re Struggling With a Cocaine Addiction

If you’re struggling with a cocaine addiction, you might feel like you’ll never break free from it. The truth is that there are people who can help, including the highly qualified staff at FHE Health.

At FHE, we have substance abuse counselors waiting to take your call and talk to you about our programs so we can set you on the path to sobriety. Call us today to learn more about cocaine addiction at (833) 596-3502.