Jackson Treatment Centers

Jackson, Mississippi, is home to around 184,256 people. It is found in Hinds County and is around 160 miles away from Metairie and 140 miles away from Baton Rouge. During the 1990s, the population of Jackson actually declined by around 6%, which is quite unique. Today, the population continues to decline, albeit at a slow rate of less than 1%. Jackson has a significant drug and alcohol abuse problem. This is reflected in the fact that the levels of two correlated crimes - violent and property crimes - are higher in Jackson than the state average. However, various prevention, intervention, and treatment efforts have been put in place in order to combat this.

Adderall in Jackson, MS

Adderall is a type of medication based on amphetamine, that is prescribed to those diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), ADD (attention deficit disorder), and narcolepsy. The Controlled Substance Act has listed Adderall as a Schedule II drug, due to the fact that it is highly addictive and has a high potential for abuse. Jackson worked together with the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) to determine the extent of Adderall abuse in the city. They found that among people aged between 18 and 22:

• Those in full time college were two times more likely to use Adderall in a nonmedical way.
• 90% of those in full time college and who stated that they had used Adderall in the past year, were also classed as heavy alcohol drinkers.
• Those full time students who had used Adderall were far more likely to also use other substances.

Looking specifically at the other substances, Jackson authorities compared Adderall users to non-Adderall users and found that:

• 79.9% also used cannabis (versus 27.2% of nonusers).
• 28.9% also used cocaine (versus 3.6% of nonusers).
• 24.5% also abused tranquilizers (versus 3% of nonusers).
• 44.9% also abused prescription painkillers (versus 8.7% of nonusers).

Ethnic Disparity in Jackson, MS

Jackson also wanted to determine whether alcohol abuse was more likely under certain ethnic groups, and particularly young people. They found that:

• 5.7% of Asian youths drink alcohol.
• 10.1% of black youths drink alcohol.
• 13.6% of mixed raced people drink alcohol.
• 14.8% of Hispanic youths drink alcohol.
• 16.3% of white youths drink alcohol.

Of significant concern was also the fact that most young people who consumed alcohol also had a father who drank.

The Jackson Approach

Jackson authorities have invested heavily in increasing the availability of detox and rehab treatment for its population, as well as aftercare programs. They have increased signposting opportunities, so that people know where to go if they need help. Additionally, the Circuit Drug Court is in place to refer nonviolent DUI offenders to detox and rehab (inpatient or outpatient), so that they can avoid a prison sentence and get the help they need.

At the same time, Jackson aims to combat the development of addiction by putting outreach and educational methods in place so that the young population in particular can be steered away from substance abuse.