NCJ Number
125677
Journal
International Journal on Drug Policy Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (July-August 1990) Pages: 28-30
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article maintains that the British approach to illicit drug use, which combines legal, social, and medical interventions, can be used effectively against the influx of crack cocaine and that other measures will result in unnecessary costs in increased customs, police, and military actions.
Abstract
Rather than accepting the notion of "instant addiction" to crack, this article argues that because the sensations caused by the drug are enjoyable, users who are already prone to taking drugs and committing crimes to pay for them are eager to repeatedly take crack. There are several reasons why the use of crack would probably not become as endemic as in the U.S. Cocaine use in general is less widespread in the U.K., which may slow the spread of crack. Unlike the American relationship between heroin and cocaine use and violent crime, heroin use in the U.K. is largely associated with property crimes. In addition, the availability of firearms and the violent gang structure are not evident in Britain. Another reason for the crack problem in the U.S., which is absent in Britain, is the multiplicity and ease of smuggling routes. Finally, it is questionable whether a larger supply of crack will create a larger demand or a new population of drug users. It would be unwise to divert funds from campaigns against other drug, alcohol, and tobacco misuse in order to fight a possible future problem. 19 references.