Barriers and Pathways to Diffusion of Methamphetamine Use Among African-Americans in the Rural South: Preliminary Ethnographic Findings

• NCJ Number: 211444
• Journal: Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: 2005 Pages: 77-103
• Author(s): Rocky L. Sexton Ph.D.; Robert G. Carlson Ph.D.; Harvey A. Siegal Ph.D.; Russel S. Falck M.A.; Carl Leukefeld D.S.W; Brenda Booth Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 27 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1R01DA15363
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored factors that inhibit and facilitate the diffusion of methamphetamine use among African-Americans in the rural South.

Abstract

Methamphetamine use is widespread in the South, yet there is no research concerning its prevalence among southern African-Americans. This study relied on ethnographic data derived from qualitative interviews with 86 active stimulant users to identify potential pathways and barriers to the diffusion of methamphetamine among African-Americans living in rural Kentucky and Arkansas. Participants discussed a variety of issues, including history of drug use, current drug use practices, the social dynamics of drug use, related physical and mental health problems, substance abuse treatment history, and perceived need for health services. Results indicated low diffusion of methamphetamine among rural African-Americans; only 14 of the participants reported methamphetamine use. Barriers to diffusion of the drug included the psychoactive and physiological effects of the drug, as well as an established African-American preference for cocaine. Future research should continue to probe methamphetamine use among African-Americans as it appears the use of this drug may be on the rise among this population. Tables, note, references