NCJ Number
199465
Date Published
June 2002
Length
84 pages
Annotation
This document discusses current drug trends and patterns.
Abstract
The 52nd meeting of the Community Epidemiology Work Group (CEWG), held in June 2002, reported on current drug trends and patterns in their areas. Data sources were gathered from city and State drug abuse indicators, such as public health agencies, hospital drug treatment facilities, criminal justice and correctional offices, law enforcement agencies, surveys, and other sources unique to local areas. Major findings from the June 2002 reporting period were: a possible resurgence of cocaine/crack in Boston, and increases in Miami and New York; and an increase in heroin indicators in Atlanta, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Newark, and Philadelphia. Heroin indicators remained high in areas such as Boston, Baltimore, and San Francisco. Narcotic analgesics indicators, especially those containing hydrocodone and oxycodone, continued to rise. Deaths involving narcotic analgesics/combinations peaked in 15 areas, and in 8, exceeded the death mentions for cocaine and heroin. Marijuana indicators showed increases in Chicago, Hawaii, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, St. Louis, and San Francisco, but leveled off in other areas. Methamphetamine indicators remained at elevated levels in Hawaii, and in the West and Southwest areas. High proportions of adult female arrestees tested methamphetamine-positive in Honolulu, San Diego, and Phoenix. Rates of methamphetamine mentions per 100,000 population were highest in San Francisco and San Diego. MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine or "ecstasy") indicators continued to rise in most areas and to spread beyond the young white populations frequenting "raves." Several sites continue to report that ecstasy is often adulterated with drugs other than MDMA. 4 appendices