San Francisco Tops List of America's Drug Capitals

San Francisco is diverse in every way, from its attractions to its people. Like most major metropolitan areas, San Francisco is home to some of the wealthiest, most powerful executives as well as a large population of criminals and homeless people.

For all its differences, what this diverse population shares is a problem with drugs.

The City by the Bay earned the unpleasant distinction of ranking sixth in Forbes magazine’s list of American cities with the worst drug problem. Of the cities surveyed by SAMHSA’s Drug Abuse Warning Network, San Francisco had the highest rate of illegal drug-related emergency room visits. The Drug Enforcement Agency reported that heroin is the leading drug of abuse in San Francisco, while Oakland residents typically abuse crack cocaine or heroin.

Other cities to earn Forbes’ sordid honor included:

• Española, New Mexico
• Missoula, Montana
• Washington, D.C.
• Baltimore, Maryland
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Atlanta, Georgia

Findings were based on federal data and interviews with U.S. public health and law enforcement officials.

Drug Treatment in San Francisco

While no city aspires to be recognized for its drug problem, the good news for Bay Area residents and visitors is that there are a number of nationally recognized, highly respected Northern California drug rehab centers in San Francisco and surrounding areas.

Depending on the Northern California drug rehab chosen, some of the benefits of completing drug treatment in San Francisco may include:

• Easy access to big-city amenities and transportation combined with the ability to “get away from it all” to nearby small towns and nature areas
• Some of the most inspiring views in the country, including the San Francisco Bay
• A wide range of Northern California drug rehab programs located near San Francisco
• Some of the nation’s leading addiction specialists are drawn to the area
• The opportunity to practice new recovery skills in a real-world setting

If you’re struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, you are not alone. Thousands of others have experienced the crushing effects of addiction and have lived, loved and learned as a result of getting treatment.