NCJ Number
128156
Date Published
1991
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This report provides a current compilation of drug use indicators for the District of Columbia, including statistics and information on drug overdose deaths and drug-related emergency room reports, drug treatment admissions, drug arrests and arrestee drug test results, AIDS among intravenous drug users, and a public opinion survey on drug abuse and crime.
Abstract
In fiscal year 1989, admission to city-operated and sponsored substance abuse treatment facilities increased 20 percent and rose 8 percent in fiscal year 1990. Residents of the city's treatment programs are apparently staying in treatment for longer periods of time, and more clients are voluntarily entering treatment than are being referred by the criminal justice system. Since 1988, the number of readmissions has declined, and new admissions have increased. Preliminary drug arrest figures for juveniles and adults through October 1990 show a 4-percent decrease over the same time period in 1989. This corresponds with declining drug arrests. According to a public opinion survey of District residents, approximately one-third of the respondents personally knew someone who regularly uses illicit drugs, and 14 percent knew someone who sells drugs. In spite of the steady rise in drug-related violence over the last several years, primary drug-incidence indicators suggest that illicit drug use is declining in the District. 10 exhibits