NCJ Number
65723
Date Published
1979
Length
24 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT PROVIDES A BRIEF ASSESSMENT OF HEROIN INDICATORS IN THE UNITED STATES FOR POLICYMAKERS IN THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AND TREATMENT PROFESSIONS.
Abstract
HEROIN INDICATORS PROVIDE PERSONS FIGHTING DRUG ABUSE WITH INFORMATION ON WHICH TO BASE POLICY AND PROGRAM PLANNING STRATEGY. THESE INDICATORS INCLUDE HEROIN-RELATED DEATHS, HEROIN-RELATED EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS, HEROIN AVERAGE PRICE AND PURITY, HEROIN TREATMENT ADMISSIONS, HOUSEHOLD AND HIGH SCHOOL SURVEYS, AND ESTIMATES OF HEROIN PREVALENCE. DATA ON THESE INDICATORS WERE OBTAINED FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES WHICH HAVE AN ASSOCIATION WITH DRUG USE TRENDS FOR THE YEARS 1976-78. ALL NATIONAL HEROIN INDICATORS SHOWED DECLINING TRENDS FOR THE PERIOD COVERED. THE NUMBER OF HEROIN-RELATED DEATHS IN 1978 WAS LESS THAN HALF OF THE NUMBER REPORTED IN 1976, AND BOTH PRICE AND PURITY TRENDS INDICATED DIMINISHED AVAILABILITY OF HEROIN. HOWEVER, SOME STANDARD METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS SHOWED AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF HEROIN-RELATED EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS OR DEATHS AND OTHERS EXHIBITED A CYCLICAL TREND WITH PEAKS OCCURRING IN THE SUMMER MONTHS AND LOWS IN THE WINTER. THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE SELECTION OF EACH INDICATOR IS EXPLAINED, AND GRAPHIC, TABULAR, AND STATISTICAL DATA ILLUSTRATE HEROIN TRENDS FOR 1976 THROUGH 1978 FOR EACH INDICATOR. SEVERAL REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED. (WJR)