Drug Use Patterns of Adult Crack Users in Street Versus Residential Treatment Samples

• NCJ Number: 154669
• Journal: Journal of Psychoactive Drugs Volume: 27 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-March 1995) Pages: 27-38
• Author(s): A E Pottieger; P A Tressell; H L Surratt; J A Inciardi; D D Chitwood
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 12 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1-R01DAO 4862
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC

Annotation

Sample selection bias is briefly discussed, and a 1988-90 study of 699 cocaine users in Miami is described; the drug patterns of the 387 adult crack users interviewed in that study are compared by sample type -- residential-treatment population compared to street population, controlling for gender.

Abstract

Questions about drug use and criminal behavior were asked subjects during an interview that lasted 30 to 60 minutes. Some similarities between sample types were found, but differences were more numerous. Notably, street respondents started cocaine at a younger age; had used crack regularly for a longer time; were more likely to have used pills, heroin, and freebase cocaine; were much more likely to be using crack (but only crack) on a daily basis; and were more likely to obtain crack by being paid in it, especially for drug dealing. Treatment respondents were more likely to use multiple forms of cocaine, to use cocaine in a binge pattern and with high per-day dosages, and to pay for cocaine with cash they got from a job. 5 tables, 1 figure, and 22 references