Detroit
Top Local Drug Threat
Detroit continues to face a serious and evolving opioid crisis, driven primarily by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Law enforcement officials identify fentanyl as the most significant drug threat in the region, often appearing in counterfeit pills or mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of accidental overdose. Nationally, synthetic opioids like fentanyl account for the majority of overdose deaths and remain the leading cause of drug-related fatalities.
While Southeast Michigan has seen recent progress in reducing overall overdose deaths due to expanded prevention and treatment efforts, the crisis remains acute in Detroit. Within the city, overdose rates remain especially concerning among males ages 45 - 64 residing within city limits. This population experiences elevated exposure to fentanyl-laced substances and heightened risk of fatal overdose. These trends underscore the need for targeted outreach, education and expanded access to treatment and recovery services.
Drug Trafficking and Associated Violence
Drug trafficking remains a key driver of violent crime in Detroit, with organized distribution networks contributing to shootings, assaults, and broader community instability. While opioids dominate overdose fatalities, marijuana trafficking—particularly in illicit markets—continues to generate violence tied to territorial disputes, robbery, and illegal distribution channels. Criminal organizations often leverage marijuana operations alongside other narcotics trafficking, using violence to protect supply chains and profits.
Drug Information
Emerging Threat: Xylazine
Xylazine, reported as an adulterant in an increasing number of illicit drug mixtures, has also been detected in a growing number of overdose deaths. It is commonly encountered in combination with fentanyl but has also been detected in mixtures containing cocaine, heroin, and a variety of other drugs. However, xylazine is most frequently reported in combinations with two or more substances present. In addition to its presence in drug combinations, xylazine (often known as “tranq”) is used on its own, though this is less frequently reported. Limited scientific research has been conducted on the effects of xylazine on the human body, but anecdotal reports indicate that users experience effects similar to opioids. Xylazine can lead to depression of the central nervous system along with other adverse effects, as reported in scientific and medical journals; the presence of xylazine in illicit drug combinations and its detection in fatal overdoses may be more widespread than reported as a number of jurisdictions across the country may not include xylazine in forensic laboratory or toxicology testing.
Events
Community Resources
This section will be updated with local organizations that provide services to the public regarding addiction, community empowerment, drug education and prevention, drug take back programs, recovery, and overall health and wellness.
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, www.dwihn.org, 1-800-241-4949
Adult Well Being Services, (313) 924-7860, Website: www.awbs.org
Primary Focus: Older Adults Primary Focus: Health Promotion and Substance Abuse Prevention. Health education, community collaboration, and prevention activities for adults age 50 and older.
American Indian Health & Family Services, (313) 846-3718
Primary Focus: A health center serving the Native American community of Southeastern Michigan. Type of Service: Prevention Special Programs/Groups: Dream Seekers Youth Services for ages 8-17. Alcohol, Tobacco, and other drug prevention services.
Arab- American and Chaldean Council, (313) 369-4739, Website: www.myacc.org
Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan, (313) 285-9234, Website: https://michiganblackcaucus.org/
Primary Focus: African-American Children ages 5 to 17, their parents, and adults who are “at risk” for use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
CareFirst Community Health Inc., (313) 846-5020, Website: www.care-first.org
Primary Focus: Prevention services are designed to reduce the risk of youths becoming substance abusers through individual, family and community interventions. Targeting African-American, Arab American, & Chaldean, and Hispanic youth from grades K-12.
RecoveryOhio Overdose Early Warning Dashboard, https://recoveryohio.gov/resources/all-resources/od-early-warning
Veterans Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255 (press 1)
Looking for prevention resources specifically for young people? Go to the teen-focused site www.justthinktwice.com. Here, they'll be able to get facts about drug use and learn ways to live a drug-free life.
Elks Drug Awareness Program – www.elks.org
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in partnership with the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, released Season 5 of the video podcast Awkward Conversations on September 24, 2025.
The unscripted Season 5 of Awkward Conversations is once again hosted by Jodie Sweetin (Full House, Fuller House). Each week Jodie is joined by Amy McCarthy, Director of Clinical Social Work, Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. Together they will speak with celebrity parents such as Dr. Mayim Bialik and Alec Mapa, as well as role models like Spencer Paysinger (former NFL linebacker and producer All-American). They will also sit down with experts including Dr. Christopher Willard (author of Raising Resilience and Growing Up Mindful) and Dr. Nora Volkow (Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse). Their discussions delve into complex issues and provide thoughtful answers to the questions parents care about most. New episodes will be posted each week through March 26, 2026 and can be accessed here.
Facing Fentanyl is a project of Voices for Awareness and a nonprofit assembly of grassroots groups raising awareness of illicit fentanyl. Visit Facing Fentanyl at https://www.facingfentanylnow.org. Learn more about illicit fentanyl, counterfeit drugs, and self-harm by visiting the parent organization Voices for Awareness at https://www.voicesforawareness.com.
The Youth Connection, www.theyouthconnection.org, (313) 826-7099
The Youth Connection empowers youth to make positive choices through wellness programs that promote healthy lifestyles, awareness, and resilience.
Center for Urban Youth & Family Development, (313) 340-3101, www.cuyfddetroit.org
The Center for Urban Youth and Family Development (CUYFD) focuses on preventing conditions commonly associated with individuals raised in the foster care environment or remediating potential problems through education and information.
Detroit PAL, www.detroitpal.org
In partnership with the Detroit Police Department and community volunteers, Detroit PAL is helping youth find their greatness through athletic, academic, and leadership development programs.
Church of the Messiah, churchofthemessiahdetroit.org
Find treatment in your area. Go to FindTreatment.gov to search for general drug treatment facilities in your area. On this site, you can find facilities that offer various payment options (including free and no-cost care), youth treatment facilities, special programs for Veterans, plus more.
Otherwise, enter your zipcode below to find substance abuse treatment facilities in your area.
Campus Drug Prevention is DEA’s effort to support drug use prevention programs on college campuses and in surrounding communities. The website was created for professionals working to prevent drug use among college students, including educators, student health centers, and student affairs personnel. In addition, it serves as a useful tool for college students, parents, and others involved in campus communities.
The website offers valuable information, including data, news updates, drug scheduling and penalties, publications, research, national and statewide conferences and events, state and local prevention contacts, and resources available from DEA’s federal partners. The website also includes a “Help a Friend” resource to educate and prepare those who plan to talk to their friends or loved ones about drug use concerns.
Watch Campus Drug Prevention's Prevention Profiles: Take Five, a monthly podcast featuring interviews with individuals at the federal, national, state, and local levels, based around five questions related to drug misuse prevention among college students:
Operation Prevention is a collaboration between DEA and Discovery Education to provide no-cost online tools that support every member of the community with the power of prevention. Help kickstart life-saving conversations today with standards-aligned English and Spanish-language resources for students in grades 3-12, plus additional resources designed for educators, families, and professionals.
And make sure to catch the virtual field trips, including the all-new “An Ounce of Prevention,” which introduces students to a variety of individuals already working on the ground making a real difference against fentanyl and fake pills:
The One Pill Can Kill Campaign offers an opportunity for the media, parents, teachers, educators, and community organizations to raise awareness about counterfeit prescription drugs. DEA has created materials to help you participate in raising awareness.
View the Partner Toolbox:
Families play a key role in preventing and responding to substance use. Too many families are grieving the death of a loved one due to substance use or coping with the stress that comes from loving a person affected by substance use or misuse. Fortunately, there are thousands of professionals and volunteers involved in all types of organizations who are in positions to help families help their loved one. The Drug Enforcement Administration is honored to partner with these organizations at the state, national and local level. Together for Families seeks to be a place where you can find information that helps you wherever you are on your journey. Visit https://dea.gov/togetherforfamilies.
DEA Pharmacy Burglary Safety Alert
Access pharmacy resources:
