NCJ Number
185359
Journal
Deviant Behavior Volume: 21 Issue: 5 Dated: September-October 2000 Pages: 381-406
Date Published
2000
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This study summarizes five causal explanations for heroin injection among addicted felons.
Abstract
The study tested the stratification, market forces, social network, risk-taking syndrome and career intensification hypotheses. Subjects were 366 heroin-addicted felons from Brooklyn. Variables derived from these hypotheses correctly predicted 76 percent of the cases. Hypotheses with the strongest empirical support were the social network and risk-taking syndrome. According to the social network hypothesis, age, gender and ethnic groups developed their own heroin subcultures that influence injecting behavior. In the risk-taking hypothesis, users who engaged in other non-drug reckless behaviors were at a higher risk of injecting heroin. The availability (street price) of heroin was the strongest correlate of heroin injection as more users self-identified as injectors during periods of lower availability. Age and longevity of heroin use negatively correlated with injection. This article discusses policy implications of study findings. Tables, notes, references