NCJ Number
119223
Date Published
1989
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Data gathered from 254 youths on the streets of Miami during 1986-87 formed the basis of this analysis of the drug use patterns, the involvement in the drug distribution business, and other criminal behavior among youth known to be users of crack-cocaine.
Abstract
The youths were chosen using a standard "snowball sampling technique," in which known users or dealers were asked for referrals until the social network surrounding each user was exhausted. The sample was 85 percent male, 43 percent white, 39 percent black, 17 percent Hispanic, and ages ranged from 12 to 17. Seventy-eight percent were enrolled in school, and 89 percent reported having been expelled or suspended at least once. Eighty-seven percent currently smoked marijuana daily, 54 percent used crack-cocaine daily, and 36 percent used alcohol three or more times per week. First alcohol use was at age 7, while first regular use of another drug without an adult present occurred at age 11. Forty percent reported at least one crack episode involving problems. Users often sold crack or other drugs or traded stolen goods, other drugs, and sex for their crack. They also stole it from dealers and others. The youths had committed an average of 880 criminal acts each, including 538 drug-business acts, during the last 12 months. Most had some degree of involvement in the crack business. Ninety-two percent reported arrests, 71 percent reported convictions, and 51 percent reported incarceration. Findings showed that youths involved in crack often use other drugs heavily, have been expelled or suspended from school, and have extensive involvement in crime. Few have entered drug treatment, however, and the risks of arrest are not great enough to deter their criminality. Tables, note, and 6 references.