NCJ Number
204645
Journal
DEWS County Snapshot Volume: 2 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2003 Pages: 1-8
Date Published
June 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Based on data from the Drug Early Warning System (DEWS) in Prince George's County (Maryland), which obtains drug-related morbidity and mortality data from a variety of sources, this report presents data on drug use in the county for fiscal year 2002 and for the period fiscal years 1998-2002.
Abstract
PCP abuse was found to be at a 5-year high among adults and juveniles admitted to drug treatment in Prince George's County. Interviews with professionals in education, criminal justice, prevention, and public health ("Drug Scan") indicated that the use and availability of PCP has increased. More than 93 percent of youths entering drug treatment in the county in fiscal year 2002 reported marijuana abuse, compared to 82 percent statewide. In 2001, 37 percent of the county's 12th graders reported current use of alcohol, and 19 percent reported current binge drinking. Cocaine/crack was the second most frequently reported substance of abuse among adults who entered treatment in fiscal year 2002. Drug Scan contacts described crack as "very available" in the county; users often crush it and sprinkle it on marijuana. Less than 13 percent of adults admitted to treatment in fiscal year 2002 cited heroin as a substance of abuse, the lowest percentage in 5 years; less than 1 percent of juveniles mentioned heroin abuse. Youths reported that ecstasy is snorted or swallowed and that experimentation with the drug begins around age 15 or 16. 3 figures and 11 references