NCJ Number
186694
Journal
Reports of the National Research Institute of Police Science Volume: 40 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2000 Pages: 1-19
Date Published
March 2000
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the findings of a survey of a selected sample of Japanese youth to determine their use of stimulant drugs (amphetamine or methylamphetamine).
Abstract
The questionnaire was administered to minors arrested for violations of poisonous and deleterious substances control law, stimulant drug control law, and the penal code. Offenders with no experience with stimulant abuse were not included. A total of 163 subjects responded to the survey. Among stimulant users, the survey distinguished between those who had used solvents and those who had not. The former were designated "Stimulant and Solvent Users" (SSUs), and the latter were termed "Stimulant Only Users" (SOUs). Survey findings show that the average age of stimulant users was 17.5, with one-fifth of them being students. The rate of solvent abuse was 66 percent, and the rate of marijuana use was 28 percent. On average they began stimulant abuse at approximately age 17. The primary motivation for use was curiosity. Most were given drugs, but some reported they bought the drug on the street from strangers. Prices of approximately 10,000 yen per sale were common, which is well within the means of youth. Stimulants were used in private areas with other users; in some cases, however, they were used alone. The delinquency rate was higher among SSUs compared with SOUs. SSUs were also more abusive and had experiences with many other kinds of drugs. The circumstances of acquisition of stimulants varied between the groups. In using drugs, most SOUs were with friends or acquaintances, but SSUs used them alone as well. Injecting the drug was popular among SSUs; whereas, inhaling the vapors caused by a molten drug heated with a cigarette lighter was popular among SOUs. Injecting was popular among both categories of females. These findings suggest that stimulants have become more easily available for youth, with prices becoming more affordable and connections with street dealers much easier. In addition, the change in the way the drug is consumed is an important factor in its popularity. Inhaling vapors of stimulants is considered an introduction into drug use for "beginners." 20 tables and 36 references