Pennsylvania currently lays claim to some of the worst substance abuse statistics in America. Philadelphia, the fifth-largest city in the United States and the largest city in Pennsylvania, is the heart of all drug and alcohol - related trade and activity in the region, serving as a major distribution center and transshipment hub for illegal substances thanks to its excellent transportation infrastructure. This situation, combined with the ongoing national substance abuse epidemic, only highlights the need for high-quality drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in Pennsylvania - a need that Avenues Recovery Center strives to meet each day.
Alcohol Addiction in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has been ranked among the top 20 U.S. states with the highest rates of alcohol abuse. 60% of Pennsylvania adults consume alcohol, 28% of Pennsylvania adults are binge drinkers, and 4% of Pennsylvania adults have a diagnosed alcohol addiction. In one year alone, there were 10,558 alcohol-related crashes on Pennsylvania roadways due to intoxicated drivers.
A statewide survey conducted in 2021 revealed that among Pennsylvanians aged 12 to 20, 258,000 (or 18.5%) reported alcohol use in the past month, and 160,000 (or 11.4%) reported binge drinking within the past month. The average age of first alcohol use was 16.2 years. Additionally, the survey found that among Pennsylvanians under age 21, there were 146 deaths and 8,717 potential years of life lost due to alcohol abuse in the year 2021 alone.
Drug Use Statistics in Pennsylvania
Aside from its soaring alcohol abuse statistics, Pennsylvania also suffers from worrisome drug use (and abuse) rates. In the past year, approximately 300,000 people - or 3.1% of Pennsylvanians - experienced a confirmed drug addiction in Pennsylvania. The abundant supply of illegal opioids (such as heroin, fentanyl, and counterfeit prescription pills) has impacted over 97% of the counties and towns in Pennsylvania. A huge amount of heroin is imported from Mexico through transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and the frightening practice of cutting heroin (and other drugs) with fentanyl has spread to Pennsylvania too and caused innumerable fatal overdoses.
The most commonly abused drugs in Pennsylvania are:
- Fentanyl/ Fentanyl analogs
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drugs
- Methamphetamines
- Synthetic Cannabinoids - (synthetic marijuana, fake weed, K2, spice etc.)
Overdose Rates in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has the third-highest opioid overdose rate among all U.S. states. Altogether, opioids have caused five times more overdoses in Pennsylvania than alcohol abuse. In 2021, there were 5,224 total reported overdose deaths (from all substances), which translates into an average of over 14 deaths per day. 85% of these overdose deaths were opioid-related, and of that 85%, 44% involved an additional stimulant (such as cocaine and meth). This statistic presents a 22% uptick in overdose deaths from 2019.
The following five Pennsylvania counties were reported to have the highest numbers of drug-related overdose deaths. For every 100,000 people, they experienced the following numbers of deaths:
- Fulton - 74.1 deaths
- Cambria- 65.4 deaths
- Beaver - 59.8 deaths
- Armstrong - 59.5 deaths
- Philadelphia - 59.4 deaths
Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Laws
What happens if you’re caught with drugs and/ or alcohol in Pennsylvania?
The laws vary depending on if the infraction is possession of a controlled substance, possession with the intent to distribute, or possession of drug paraphernalia.
Pennsylvania drug laws and Pennsylvania alcohol laws are as follows:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
1st Offense = Misdemeanor; Up to 1 year of jail time / $5,000 fine, or both Subsequent Offense - Misdemeanor; Up to 3 years of jail time/ up to $25,000 in fines, or both. - Possession with the Intent to Deliver
Penalties depend on the drug in question and the defendant’s criminal record. Penalties can range from misdemeanor charges of up to 1 year of jail time to felony charges of up to 15 years of jail time, up to $250,000 in fines, or both. - Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Misdemeanor = Up to 1 year of jail time, up to $2,500 in fines, or both. Additional penalties may apply if the offender is caught delivering such paraphernalia to a minor.
Pennsylvania Alcohol Laws
In Pennsylvania, you must be at minimum 21 years old to purchase, possess, drink, or transport alcohol. The term “alcohol” includes non-alcoholic beer and wine, which are defined as having less than 0.5% alcohol by volume.
Selling or furnishing alcohol to a minor is a third-degree misdemeanor in Pennsylvania. The penalty for a first violation is a fine of up to $500, and up to $1,000 for each subsequent violation.
As a general rule, minors cannot be present in establishments that sell alcohol. There are a few exceptions:
- Parents: Minors can be on the premises if they are with one or both of their parents.
- Guardians: Minors can be on the premises if they are with a legal guardian.
- Proper supervision: Minors can be on the premises if they are under proper supervision
Pennsylvania DUI (Driving Under the Influence) Laws
In 2004, Pennsylvania lowered the legal BAC (blood alcohol content) of drivers from .10% to .08%. Pennsylvania also has a zero-tolerance law when it comes to underage drinking and driving. This means that for anyone under age 21, a BAC of .02% is sufficient grounds for prosecution. (For most people, even one drink will raise their BAC above .02%.)
The penalties for a DUI will depend on the BAC of the driver.
- Blood alcohol levels between .08% and .099% are categorized as a “General Impairment” in Pennsylvania, and can result in the following penalties:
- Up to 2 years of jail time
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Mandatory alcohol rehab
- Up to a 1-year license suspension
- Up to a 1-year ignition interlock (driver must use breathalyzer to turn on car)
- Blood alcohol levels between .10% and .159% are considered “High BAC” in Pennsylvania, and can result in the following penalties:
- Up to 5 years of jail time
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Mandatory alcohol rehab
- Up to an 18 - month license suspension
- A 1-year ignition interlock
- Blood alcohol levels measuring .16% or higher are called “Highest BAC” in Pennsylvania, and can result in the following penalties:
- Up to 5 years of jail time
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Mandatory alcohol rehab
- Up to an 18 - month license suspension
- A 1-year ignition interlock
Pennsylvania Marijuana Laws
In Pennsylvania, marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule 1 drug. This means that marijuana is regarded as having a significant potential for abuse with no medical value. Possession, sale, and/or cultivation of a Schedule 1 drug can result in monetary and incarceration penalties under Pennsylvania state law.
As of now, Pennsylvania has not legalized marijuana. It is classified as a Possession, sale, and transportation of any amount of marijuana (excluding medical marijuana) in Pennsylvania can result in serious penalties, as described below.
Here is a short synopsis of Pennsylvania’s weed laws:
Possession 30 grams or under:
- 30 days in prison and/ or $500 in fines
- Above 30 grams: First offense = 1 year in prison and/ or $5,000. Subsequent offenses = 3 years in prison and/ or $25,000 in fines
Sale:
- 30 grams or under: 30 days in prison and/ or $500 fine
- Above 30 grams: Felony charge = 2.5 to 5 years in prison and a $15,000 fine
Pennsylvania cannabis law is strict, and treats the manufacture, distribution and use of marijuana with gravity. Be sure to check and know Pennsylvania cannabis laws before engaging in any behavior that can cause trouble.
If you or a loved one are struggling with a drug addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery addiction rehab in Pennsylvania. Our addiction specialists have helped thousands of people break free of their addictions and they can help you too! Contact us today to begin your journey towards the sober, happy, and meaningful future you deserve.