Transparency: America’s Problem Drugs

It would seem that local law enforcement in the “West” has concerns that most realistically reflect that of general society. I am surprised anyone even bothered mentioning pot as a concern. What of alcohol? Think of how many domestic disturbances and vehicular accidents are booze fueled!?

What exactly does this graph depict? The quantity or value of the drug in each respective region? Gross number of arrests? Arrests per capita? Awesome art and a powerful message, but that sort of information would be helpful in deciphering its significance. Thanks.

Thank you for this. Great Information Graphic!

I’d love to see the data behind this – is it available by state? I tried finding it on the Department of Justice website, but haven’t had any luck locating it so far. Thanks.

I think there is a much more significant presence of methamphetamines in the Northeast/New England area than shown in this graphic.  I found the appendix from the DoJ online but when I researched the rehabilitation intake statistics I found that methamphetamine is not listed as an option on Massachusetts drug rehabilitation intake form released in 2004 (the most recent one I could find before the 2007 statistics were compiled).  It is included with “other” which account for 23.8% of the intake that year.  Not perfect research, I know, but I only took a few minutes to look it up.

Whats the scale here? % of arrests? % of users? % of officers who say its a problem?It’s a bit meaningless without some explanation.

i’m lost… what is the scale? a chart without a scale is just art.  can you post a link to the data source at the DOJ?

i agree. i don’t know what the scale is supposed to be showing. that and the words are too darn small!

If the report does not include alcohol (since legal pills are included) then this information is ultimately worthless and vague._analog_robot

while their omission of alcohol is revealing to some, I was more intrigued by the absence of the scheduled hallucinogens; apparently the justice department’s opinion is that America doesn’t have a problem with their use of psychedelic substances. this is one of many premises in an argument that should be made for the decriminalization of entheogenic usage of psychedelics. The problems with psychedelic drugs in the U.S. stems from their illegality: if they were legal, we would be following the natural formula that they have followed throughout the history of man’s use of psychedelics – the shamanic tradition of the initiative and the adept. Instead of being introduced to these experiences by capitalist drug dealers we would be guided through them by people who have dedicated their lives to doing so, as a priest or a minister maneuvers the parables. can you say, amerihuasca?

That’s a terrible graphic if you don’t have a 1600 pixel wide monitor.

What about Hallucinogens? LSD/Mushrooms/MDMA/2CB/DMT/Salvia

I have to say, I agree with people who say that alcohol (booze) should be included.  I agree with those who say that they would like more information as to the sources of information as any good college essay is required to if outside sources are used.  It is only proper after all.  As far as hallucinogens are concerned well…. it seems that those who know stop early in life, informed persons know that Jack Nicolson (the famous actor) underwent LSD therapy for alcoholism.  If you did your research you would find that 1. Alcohol can be a hallucinogen if taken in excess.2. if actually included into this graphic, would register as a microscopic line in most cases.  Read Carlos Canstendea if you want the knowledge but not the side effects.

Thats all bold faced lies, over 80% of the arrests last year were drug related, not 13%. and the most popular illegal drug by FAR is pot.More lies and propaganda by your local DOJ.

80%? You’re a fucking retard!

Legalize drugs and throw a tax stamp on them, problem solved, debt illimination and a lot of happy citizens, oh no thats to easy, watch the documentary about Henry Anslinger, he lied about weed and srewed everyone, It would be simple and to easy to legalize, the US can’t handle simple solutions, then again a lot of cops would be out of a job as well, boo hoo

Of course the potheads want it legalized. I dont need to be on the road with my family and have an impaired driver high on marijuana jeopardizing my families safety. Quit dinking from the kool-aid fan club and elect a politician who will know how to budget the economy.

Marijuana impaired driver? I believe you mean alcohol, if they did legalize it I’m sure you wouldn’t be able to drive while high. Same premise different drug. 

What does North/Midwest mean? You might try asking a Utahn whether they consider themselves North or Midwest; I’m sure you’ll be entertained by their reaction. And why did Illinois get chopped in half?Also, from your description it seems like you’re charting the results of an *opinion survey*, not a data survey.In short: nice idea, attractive graphic, but data that is iffy at best.

This is awesome. I can use it in my classroom for analyzing all kinds of things, from aesthetics to analyzing the reliability of a source. 

This chart seems to be very misleading, the data is coming from “drugs local law enforcement officials said were posing the greatest dangers to communities.” Its important to note this has no bearing on the amount of arrests, or popularity of each drug. The title of this infographic I think is the most misleading portion.So marijuana, which I believe is the most common “drug” of all, is apparently not these officials’ priority, or isn’t seen as a big threat tocommunity.