Drug Price Trends for CHARLOTTE

Average Pharmacy Cost for CHARLOTTE

These are average pharmacy acquisition costs (net of discounts) from a US national survey

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
CHARLOTTE 24 FE CHEWABLE TAB	68462-0852-84	0.32362	EACH	2024-12-18
CHARLOTTE 24 FE CHEWABLE TAB	68462-0852-29	0.32362	EACH	2024-12-18
CHARLOTTE 24 FE CHEWABLE TAB	68462-0852-29	0.22701	EACH	2024-11-20
CHARLOTTE 24 FE CHEWABLE TAB	68462-0852-84	0.22701	EACH	2024-11-20
CHARLOTTE 24 FE CHEWABLE TAB	68462-0852-84	0.40772	EACH	2024-10-23

Market Analysis and Price Projections for Heroin in Charlotte, North Carolina

Introduction

Heroin, a highly addictive opioid, has been a persistent issue in various regions, including Charlotte, North Carolina. Understanding the market dynamics, user demographics, and price trends is crucial for both law enforcement and public health strategies.

Availability and Abuse

Heroin availability and abuse in Charlotte and the broader North Carolina area are significant, particularly in urban settings. The drug is rarely available in rural areas, indicating a concentrated urban market[1].

User Demographics

The user base for heroin in North Carolina includes both older, chronic abusers who typically inject the drug and a newer, younger population that has emerged since the 1990s. This younger group often prefers high-purity South American heroin, which can be snorted or smoked, avoiding the health risks and social stigma associated with injection[1].

Distribution and Retail

Heroin distribution in North Carolina is characterized by small-scale operations involving African American, Caucasian, and Mexican criminal groups. These groups transport heroin into the state and sell it to local dealers, who then distribute it at the retail level. Heroin is often sold in "bindles" or "bundles" at open-air drug markets, homes, businesses, and other locations[1].

Price Trends

As of the early 2000s, heroin prices in North Carolina were relatively stable. A "bindle" of heroin, containing one-tenth gram or less, sold for $25 to $35. The high purity of the heroin, ranging from 25 to 70 percent, contributed to its appeal and stable pricing[1].

Impact of High-Purity Heroin

The availability of high-purity South American heroin has been a significant factor in the increasing number of overdoses and the attraction of a younger user population. This high-purity heroin allows for snorting or smoking, which has expanded the user base beyond traditional injectors[1].

Law Enforcement and Seizures

Law enforcement efforts have resulted in relatively low seizures of heroin compared to other drugs. From 1998 to 2001, federal authorities seized minimal amounts of heroin, indicating that the drug's distribution network is efficient and evasive[1].

Health and Treatment Implications

The rise in heroin abuse has led to an increase in heroin-related treatment admissions. Between FY1996 and FY1999, admissions increased from 1,683 to 2,298, highlighting the growing need for treatment services. Heroin overdoses have also increased, with 27 deaths in 2000 and 34 in 2001 attributed to heroin use[1].

Economic and Social Context

The economic and social context of Charlotte, with its booming population and strong job market, may indirectly influence drug markets. However, the direct impact of economic factors on heroin prices is more complex and influenced by global supply chains and local distribution networks rather than local economic conditions[3].

Future Projections and Challenges

Given the stable prices and high purity of heroin in the past, future projections suggest that the market may continue to attract users, especially if high-purity heroin remains available. However, law enforcement efforts, such as those by FinCEN and other agencies, aimed at disrupting fentanyl and other opioid trafficking, could potentially impact the heroin market as well[4].

Key Takeaways

• Heroin Availability: Heroin is more commonly available in urban areas of North Carolina.
• User Demographics: The user base includes both older injectors and younger snorters/smokers.
• Price Stability: Heroin prices have been relatively stable due to high purity.
• Health Implications: Increased treatment admissions and overdoses are significant concerns.
• Law Enforcement: Efforts to disrupt heroin distribution are ongoing but face challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the primary type of heroin available in North Carolina? A: The primary type of heroin available in North Carolina is high-purity South American heroin, although Mexican black tar heroin is also present in some areas[1].

Q: How has the user demographic for heroin changed in recent years? A: The user demographic has expanded to include a younger, middle-class population who prefer to snort or smoke high-purity heroin, in addition to the older, chronic injectors[1].

Q: What are the typical retail units and prices for heroin in North Carolina? A: Heroin is typically sold in "bindles" or "bundles," with a bindle costing $25 to $35 as of the early 2000s[1].

Q: How has law enforcement impacted heroin distribution in North Carolina? A: Law enforcement efforts have resulted in minimal seizures, indicating that the distribution network is efficient and evasive. However, ongoing efforts to disrupt opioid trafficking may impact the heroin market[1][4].

Q: What are the health implications of the rising heroin abuse in North Carolina? A: The rise in heroin abuse has led to increased treatment admissions and a significant increase in heroin-related overdoses and deaths[1].

Sources:

1. National Drug Intelligence Center. Heroin - North Carolina Drug Threat Assessment. April 2003.
2. CMS. National Health Expenditure Projections 2019-2028. 2023.
3. RealWealth. Charlotte Real Estate Market Predictions, Trends & Statistics 2024. 2024.
4. FinCEN. READOUT: FinCEN Gathers Public and Private Sector Officials in Charlotte, North Carolina. 2024.
5. Health System Tracker. What are the recent and forecasted trends in prescription drug spending?. 2023.