Growing Illegal Drug Trade in Coachella Valley

The growing illegal drug trade in Coachella Valley has contributed to the spike in meth abuse.

Methamphetamine has become cheaper and more potent, leading to more cases of addiction and overdose-related deaths. In addition to the opioid epidemic, the methamphetamine drug trade in Coachella Valley has taken hold of its inhabitants.

At our rehab center in California, we know the dangers of meth addiction. Unfortunately, there is constant experimentation done to enhance the effects of illegal drugs and increase their potency. Meth abuse takes a toll on a person’s physical and mental health. People who find themselves caught in the bonds of addiction should seek treatment immediately.

What is Methamphetamine?

Meth in Riverside County caused 45 percent of drug deaths in 2017 and 56 percent in 2018 to 2019.¹ Methamphetamine is a highly potent and addictive stimulant that attacks your central nervous system and disrupts your brain’s normal function. Meth’s effects on the body last longer than most other drugs, increasing the user’s chances of developing permanent health problems from long-term use.

Side effects of meth use include:

• Permanent damage to blood vessels in the heart and brain
• High blood pressure
• Increased chances of heart attack
• Increased chances of stroke
• Deterioration of tissue in the nose (if snorted)
• Respiratory problems (if smoked)
• Increased risk of contracting HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis (if injected)
• Dental problems (Meth mouth)
• Psychosis
• Depression
• Increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease

People who are suffering from meth abuse should seek treatment right away. At Banyan Palm Springs, we provide a methamphetamine detox to safely treat withdrawal symptoms and guide patients through the initial steps of recovery.

Meth in Coachella Valley

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has reported an increase in the distribution of meth in Coachella Valley. Although California is no stranger to the presence of drugs, drug trafficking in Coachella Valley is news to the DEA. Since 2017, the amount of drugs being confiscated has increased. In 2017, 1,057 pounds of meth were confiscated, which jumped to 1,577 in 2018, and then 2,180 in 2019.¹ DEA agents stated that the meth is 100 percent pure, making it highly addictive. These large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl are trafficked from Mexico across Interstate 10 to the rest of Southern California, which has caused a growing illegal drug trade in Coachella Valley.¹

At Banyan Treatment Centers Palm Springs, we’ve helped many individuals who have battled with meth abuse. With our safe and effective residential treatment program, we’ve helped numerous people improve their health and their lives.