Yes,
US sex trafficking victims are frequently forced or coerced into taking illicit
drugs as a primary method of control and exploitation. Traffickers use
substances as weapons to induce compliance, create dependency, and prevent
victims from leaving.
Methods
of Coercion
Traffickers employ various tactics involving drugs to control their victims:
Creating Addiction: Traffickers often intentionally get non-addicted individuals hooked on highly addictive drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, to create a chemical dependency.
Exploiting Existing Substance Use Disorders (SUDs): Traffickers target vulnerable individuals who already have SUDs and become their sole supplier of drugs. The victim then must engage in commercial sex to pay for their addiction.
Withholding Drugs: Once a victim is dependent, the threat of painful withdrawal symptoms is used as a powerful coercive tactic to force obedience and prevent escape.
Incapacitation and Manipulation: Drugs may be given to victims without their knowledge to incapacitate them, or to control their mood and performance for clients.
Psychological
Coercion: The shared experience of drug use can create a "trauma
bond," making it harder for the victim to recognize the abuse or leave the
trafficker.
A 2018 federal study of 425 sex trafficking cases reported that 30.4% involved substance abuse manipulation as a coercive tactic.
Resources for Help
National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888, text "HELP" or "INFO" to 233733 (BeFree), or chat online at humantraffickinghotline.org.
Emergency Services: If you are in immediate danger, call your local police department or 911.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment: You can find treatment programs using the SAMHSA National Helpline by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
https://www.google.com/search?q=are+us+sex+trafficing+victime+forced+to+take+illicit+drugs
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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