Pennsylvania Seeing Evidence of Growing Stimulant Problem

Three areas of Pennsylvania that usually are the first to show evidence of a new drug trend in the state are seeing a significant rise in cocaine and methamphetamine use, the head of the state substance use services agency told legislators this week.

As overdose deaths related to opioids have begun to decline in some parts of Pennsylvania, state leaders are expressing renewed concern about stimulants, as is the case in a growing number of states. Reports of increased use in the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Johnstown areas signal concern about a statewide trend emerging.

“We kind of knew it was coming, we just didn't know how quickly that trend was going to start shifting across the state,” Jennifer Smith, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, said in an Associated Press article.

Increasing use of cocaine and methamphetamine in the state is evident from law enforcement activity and residents needing medical care, said Smith, who addressed a state Senate committee this week. Also, the state has seen a substantial increase in the proportion of overdose deaths involving cocaine mixed with fentanyl, according to Department of Public Health data.