Recent data shows that Americans spend between $121 billion and $146 billion per year on illicit drugs sold on the street.
In addition to the massive financial burden of drug abuse, there are a multitude of personal costs including damaged relationships, drug-seeking behaviors, crimes, and health issues that may arise.
If you are concerned that a loved one may be buying drugs on the street, you may be wondering how much money they’re spending to get high.
The information below will provide a better understanding of how much drugs cost, the factors that influence the price of street drugs, and treatment services that can help people facing addiction.
Cost Of Illicit Street Drugs
All drugs sold on the black market are considered illicit, but some of them can be prescribed by a doctor for pain relief or mental health issues.
The following drugs are considered Schedule I controlled substances, meaning there is no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
The street value of illicit drugs will vary widely based on the state they’re sold in, whether the location of the sale is in a city or a rural area, the quality and purity of the drug, and other factors.
Street Price Of MDMA
MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, is a synthetic drug known for its hallucinogenic and euphoric effects.
On the street, the price of MDMA can cost anywhere from $10 to $30 for a single pill.
Street Price Of LSD
LSD, also known as acid, is a powerful hallucinogen that is commonly sold on blotter paper, in sugar cubes, or in a liquid vial.
A single dose of LSD sold on the street may range in cost from $5 to $15.
Cost Of Marijuana On The Street
While legally sold in several states such as California and Colorado for medical and recreational use, cannabis is still considered a Schedule I drug.
Marijuana sold on the street will cost between $7 and $20 per gram, depending on the strain. When purchased for medical use, weed can cost up to $20 to $60 per gram.
Street Price Of Meth
Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant drug sold in powder form or in a rock-like form called crystal meth.
The average price of meth on the street varies based on where it’s sold and the quality of the drug. A gram of meth may cost between $20 and $150. The average dose of a single hit of meth is 0.2 grams.
Street Value Of Psilocybin
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are sold by the gram and typically cost between $7 and $30 for a single dose, and between $50 and $200 for an ounce.
People who buy magic mushrooms usually eat them or drink them in the form of tea.
Cost Of Prescription Drugs On The Street
Prescription drugs are commonly found on the illicit drug market.
The drug price of prescriptions sold on the street is typically much higher than what they would cost when sold legally through a pharmacy.
Street Price Of Ritalin
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a prescription medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). People may abuse Ritalin for its stimulant effects.
The street value of Ritalin is between $3 and $15 per pill or around $60 for 30 pills.
Cost Of Gabapentin On The Street
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that is not considered a controlled substance and is often purchased on the street in large quantities.
The street price of gabapentin ranges between $1 and $3 per 100 milligram (mg) pill. People using this medication to get high may need to ingest between 300 and 3,000 mg to produce a euphoric effect.
Street Price Of Vyvanse
Vyvanse is another prescription stimulant used in the treatment of ADHD.
The street value of Vyvanse is between $3 and $15 per pill or $400 for 30 pills.
Street Price Of Xanax
Xanax (alprazolam) is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders but is commonly found on the illegal drug market.
Prices for street Xanax range from $2 to $5 per pill.
Cost Of Adderall On The Street
Adderall is an ADHD medication that is commonly abused by students in an attempt to improve concentration and energy levels while studying.
The street value of Adderall is between $3 and $15 per pill. The generic form of the drug, dextroamphetamine, costs around $20 for 30 pills.
Cost Of Klonopin On The Street
Klonopin (clonazepam) is a prescription benzodiazepine drug used for anxiety and panic disorders. It is frequently abused for its powerful sedative effects.
The cost of Klonopin on the street may range from $1 to $3 per pill. When bought in bulk, the price may range from $15 to $85 for 30 pills.
Street Cost Of Ketamine
Ketamine is considered a dissociative anesthetic drug used to relieve severe pain. When abused, ketamine can cause vivid hallucinations and a euphoric effect.
The cost of a gram of street-sold ketamine may range between $50 and $100 per gram. A single dose may cost around $25.
Street Price Of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that can be bought for alarmingly low prices on the street. It typically comes in the form of tablets, transdermal patches, lozenges, or in liquid vials.
The cost of street fentanyl may range from $5 to $20 per dose.
Price Of Oxycodone On The Street
Oxycodone is a prescription opioid painkiller also known by its brand name, OxyContin. It usually costs between $1 and $2 per milligram on the street.
Pills of oxycodone come in 10 mg or 80 mg tablets.
Street Price Of Dilaudid
Dilaudid is a powerful opioid that comes in 2 mg and 4 mg pills. The cost of Dilaudid on the street varies widely between $5 and $30 per tablet.
Street Price Of Tramadol
This prescription drug is comparatively less potent than other opioid painkillers but is still commonly sold on the black market.
The price of tramadol on the street is around $1 to $5 per pill.
Cost Of Vicodin On The Street
Vicodin is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Tylenol). The cost of Vicodin sold on the street may range between $5 and $10 per pill.
Factors That Influence The Street Price Of Drugs
There are several variables that affect the cost of drugs sold on the street. The price is mainly affected by supply and demand, the purity of the substance, and where the product is being sold.
Purity Level
The purity of a drug will significantly affect its street price. Higher purity levels will usually signify higher prices.
For example, methamphetamine that is made with fewer fillers, or cutting agents, will have a much higher potency, thus more pure.
Location Of Sale
Where a drug is sold plays an integral role in determining its price. Urban areas may be more expensive due to higher demand and increased risk associated with selling the drug.
Rural locations may feature cheaper prices for street drugs as the demand is lower and the risks for sellers are not as serious.
Local Law Enforcement
Areas with strict drug enforcement policies will force sellers to raise their prices due to the increased risks. Areas with more lenient laws may have cheaper street drugs.
For example, states that have legalized recreational marijuana may feature much cheaper street-sold cannabis, as buyers have no reason to buy weed illegally if they can purchase it at a dispensary for the same price.
Source Of Product
Illegal drugs that are locally produced may be cheaper due to reduced transportation expenses and other associated risks of distribution.
Substances such as cocaine or illegally manufactured fentanyl may be trafficked over a long distance and will tend to feature higher street prices.
Common Measurements For Street Drugs
Understanding the common measurements for street drugs will provide you with a better understanding of how illicit substances are bought and used.
Common measurements include:
Addiction Treatment Options
Overcoming addiction to prescription or illicit drugs can be a harrowing experience, but is an important step toward a healthier life.
A drug rehab program will offer several evidence-based or holistic therapies to help people battling substance use disorder.
Treatment programs may provide:
- medical detox
- inpatient treatment
- long-term residential programs
- intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- behavioral therapy
- counseling
- support groups
- general healthcare services
- aftercare
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using methadone or buprenorphine
- dual diagnosis treatment
- family therapy
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, contact our team at DetoxRehabs.net or an addiction helpline in your area.
Find A Substance Abuse Treatment Center Today
Recovery from drug addiction is possible with the right resources and support. Reach out to DetoxRehabs.net for more helpful information.
Article Sources- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) — Price and Purity
https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR2021/8.1_Prices_an_purities_of_Drugs.pdf - U.S. Department Of Justice (DOJ) — National Illicit Drug Prices
https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs43/43386/43386p.pdf - U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) — Factsheets
https://www.dea.gov/factsheets