In recent years, Texas has faced significant challenges with drug addiction, impacting communities across the state. Texas’ major cities are often comprised of smaller cities and towns that were incorporated into the overall metropolitan area as the population of the Lone Star State grew. Addiction, whether to drugs, alcohol, or both, affects not only individuals but families and communities. Addiction is often described as a cycle of frequent attempts to quit, followed by relapse and a resumption of substance use. Breaking this cycle almost always requires professional help from addiction treatment specialists and a supportive network of aftercare.

Santé Center for Healing in Argyle, Texas, offers comprehensive addiction treatment programs for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Texas residents should call 866.238.3154 today if you or a loved one is caught in the cycle of addiction.

Ranking the Top 5 Worst Drug Cities in Texas

A special report by 24/7 Wall Street examined the cities in Texas that reported the most drug offenses. Using data from the FBI and examining only towns with populations of 25,000 residents or greater, they ranked Texas communities based on drug or narcotic violations reported per 100,000 residents in 2020¹.

A drug violation or offense is “the unlawful cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, use, possession, transportation, or importation of any controlled drug or narcotic substance…Drug crimes are classified as crimes against society – a specific category of crime in which individuals or property are not harmed. Other forms of crimes against society include animal cruelty, gambling offenses, prostitution, and weapons violations¹.”

5. Deer Park, TX

Drug offenses in 2020: 1,365 per 100,000 people (459 total)
Drug offenses as a share of all crimes against society: 87.1%
Drug offenses as a share of all crime: 26.7%
Location: Harris County
Population: 33,631

4. Denison, TX

Drug offenses in 2020: 1,435 per 100,000 people (371 total)
Drug offenses as a share of all crimes against society: 88.8%
Drug offenses as a share of all crime: 24.7%
Location: Grayson County
Population: 25,858

3. Hurst, TX

Drug offenses in 2020: 1,461 per 100,000 people (567 total)
Drug offenses as a share of all crimes against society: 91.0%
Drug offenses as a share of all crime: 21.6%
Location: Tarrant County
Population: 38,796

2. Bedford, TX

Drug offenses in 2020: 1,469 per 100,000 people (724 total)
Drug offenses as a share of all crimes against society: 93.5%
Drug offenses as a share of all crime: 24.4%
Location: Tarrant County
Population: 49,274

1. San Angelo, TX

Drug offenses in 2020: 1,477 per 100,000 people (1,504 total)
Drug offenses as a share of all crimes against society: 95.2%
Drug offenses as a share of all crime: 17.1%
Location: Tom Green County
Population: 101,860

Many of these locations make up the larger tapestry of metropolitan areas like Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth, and the adverse effects of addiction impact the entire community.

Understanding the Socio-Economic Factors

Drug addiction doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Several socio-economic factors contribute to the high rates of drug problems in these cities:

Poverty – Economic hardship often leads individuals to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
Unemployment – Lack of job opportunities can result in increased drug use and related crimes.
Education – Limited access to education and prevention programs makes communities more vulnerable to drug issues.
Mental Health – Co-occurring mental health conditions often go untreated, leading to self-medication through drugs.

Professional behavioral health services offer the best chance at a life of sobriety and recovery. Seeking help for addiction or mental health issues is the first step toward a life of improved psychological and physical health and enhanced well-being.

Contact Santé Center for Healing Today

Addressing the drug crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. For individuals trapped in the cycle of addiction, seeking professional help is crucial. The Santé Center for Healing provides comprehensive detox, residential, outpatient, and aftercare programs tailored to each individual’s needs.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, reach out to Santé Center for Healing online or call 866.238.3154. Our dedicated team is here to help you reclaim your life from addiction.

Footnotes

¹24/7 Wall Street – “Cities in Texas Reporting the Most Drug Offenses”