Comparing IV and Non-IV Cocaine Users: Characteristics of a Sample of Cocaine Users Seeking To Participate in Research

• NCJ Number: 175633
• Journal: American Journal on Addictions Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: Fall 1998 Pages: 262-271
• Author(s): B J Lexau; D Nelson; D K Hatsukami
• Date Published: 1998
• Length: 10 pages
• Grant Number(s): P50-DA09259
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article examines differences between current intravenous (IV), past IV, and non-IV cocaine use among a sample of cocaine users.

Abstract

The examination included measures of drug use, medical history, psychiatric history and criminal history. Past IV cocaine users were older than non-IV users. The current IV cocaine-using group included more white participants, and the non-IV group included more African Americans. Those with past or current IV use had more extensive drug use histories than non-IV users. Also, more current and past IV cocaine-using groups reported having been tested for HIV and reported testing positive for hepatitis. Former IV cocaine users reported more emergency room visits for complications stemming from cocaine use. They also reported more treatment for substance abuse and were convicted of more crimes. These results suggest that the route of administration is important in studying characteristics of drug users. Tables, references