NCJ Number
161237
Date Published
1995
Length
78 pages
Annotation
This report presents statistics on drug abuse patterns and trends; the data came from public health agencies, medical and treatment facilities, criminal justice and correctional facilities, criminal justice and correctional offices, law enforcement agencies, surveys, and other sources unique to local areas.
Abstract
The data include drug-related deaths, drug-related emergency department mentions, the primary drug of abuse reported by clients at admission to treatment programs, arrestee urinalysis results, data on seizures, price and purity data, and drug arrests. The discussion notes that cocaine, including crack, remains the country's most serious drug problem, although youth are increasingly viewing crack users with disdain. The reemergence of heroin as a drug of choice includes a new cohort of young users whose different needs, motivations, and use patterns present a new challenge to the prevention, treatment, and criminal justice communities. Methamphetamine abuse and availability continues to increase in the west, where it has been a longstanding problem. Depressant abuse exists in many areas. Qualitative and quantitative data continue to indicate increasing marijuana use, especially among adolescents, scross the country, highlighting the need for targeted education and prevention efforts. Tables and figures