Connecticut Ranks Among Top 10 in Country for Drug Use Problems

There is no denying this country has battled a "War on Drugs" for decades. But in the last few years, the number of deaths have been staggering.

We've seen the rise of heroin abuse and the devastation it causes running rampant in Connecticut and beyond. I've covered it numerous times and Ethan has blogged extensively about his son's long time struggle with addiction.

Now, according to the statistics website, wallethub.com, Connecticut ranks #7 overall of state by state drug use.

Notably, Connecticut scores high in the percentage of teens who were offered, sold, or given an illegal drug on school property.

In the category of  Most People Receiving Substance Abuse Treatment per 100,000 Drug Users Connecticut ranks #1 according to the findings of wallethub.com 

Certainly the problem with drug use and abuse has been around for decades. But the 60's and 70's saw a rise in public outrage country wide. Presidential administration after administration stepped up to fight the "War on Drugs." And who can forget President Reagan's wife Nancy's famous campaign of "just say no" to drugs.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse the number of people who admit to ever using an illicit drug has risen from 1979 - (31.3%) to 2015 - (48.8%). Annual overdose deaths have more than tripled from 2000 - (17,415) to 2015 - (52,404).

As we continue to uncover story after story on a daily basis about not only the horrifying outcome of heroin and opioid use in Connecticut, but gateway drugs as well, it seems as if the issue of addiction isn't going away anytime soon.

Here's an interactive map for the overall standing throughout the country.