Drug Use in Arrestees in Manhattan - The Dramatic Increase in Cocaine From 1984 to 1986

• NCJ Number: 104279
• Date Published: 1987
• Author(s): E D Wish
• Length: 9 pages
• Grant Number(s): 83-IJ-CX-K048
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored

Annotation

Voluntary interviews and drug testing of arrestees in New York City for periods in 1984 and 1986 reveal a dramatic increase in cocaine use among arrestees in all age groups for 1986 compared to 1984, while the use of other drugs was relatively stable.

Abstract

During 6 months in 1984, researchers stationed in Manhattan Central Booking obtained voluntary interview information and urine specimens from 6,406 male arrestees. Priority was given to those charged with nondrug felonies. A similar study was conducted for arrestees at Manhattan Central Booking in September, October, and November of 1986. Approximately 200 arrestees each month participated in the testing and interviews. More than 80 percent of the arrestees tested positive for cocaine in September and October 1986, compared with 42 percent in 1984. Although cocaine use declined in November, its use was still 26 percentage points above 1984 use. The use of opiates and methadone was unchanged, and PCP use declined. This raises doubt about reports of the popularity of the combined use of PCP and 'crack' in Manhattan. The increase in cocaine use occurred at all age levels, with a sharp rise in use among arrestees aged 16 to 20. There was no significant distinction in cocaine use across charged offenses. 5 data tables and 1 graph.