NCJ Number
153962
Date Published
1994
Length
23 pages
Annotation
The drug-procurement practices of active injecting drug users and crack users who were not in treatment was studied using a sample of 1,154 male and female drug users in 10 cities.
Abstract
Data were collected using structured interviews. The analysis focused on overall patterns of drug use and expenditures, patterns of drug acquisition, and sources of income. Results indicated that this population engages in behaviors that cause considerable harm to themselves, their dependents, and society in general. Fifty-six percent reported injecting drugs; cocaine use, particularly in the form of crack, is also pervasive. Multiple forms of heroin and cocaine use are common to the user group. Participants used almost two-thirds of their cash expenditures in the past 30 days to purchase drugs. The majority of participants also reported that drugs are easily acquired when cash is available. The majority also reported some source of legal income, including employment, public assistance, or support from family or friends. More than half also reported involvement in cash-generating criminal activities in the past 30 days. Findings indicated the need for strategies that provide a bridge to formal drug treatment and that emphasize harm reduction. Intervention programs must be located in neighborhoods where people buy and use drugs and designed with an awareness that chronic drug users often do not seek treatment, are less likely to benefit from treatment, and are at high risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. Tables, figures, appended list of background resources, and 63 references