NCJ Number
177123
Date Published
1998
Length
98 pages
Annotation
Basic social science research methods were used to conduct a rapid audit to determine the scale and nature of the apparent outbreaks of heroin use among youth under age 19 years in England and Wales in the late 1990s.
Abstract
The main purpose of the audit was to assess the validity of the claim that heroin use was extending beyond the longer term endemic populations of heroin users created during the 1980s and was penetrating new youth populations. The audit was conducted by means of a national survey mailed to all police agencies and Drug Action Teams in England and Wales. Responses came from 73 percent of the Drug Action Teams and 86 percent of the police agencies. Additional information was collected through telephone and personal interviews of professionals and young heroin users. Results revealed a spread of heroin use among young people. Eight percent of Drug Action Team networks and 81 percent of the police agencies that responded reported recent or new clusters or full-scale outbreaks of heroin use within their jurisdictions. This spread is unprecedented. These outbreaks are occurring in most regions of England. The most pernicious feature of the outbreaks is the indication that they are led by supply. Findings also suggested that the overall at-risk age group should be defined as 14-25 years. The analysis concluded that additional services are needed that are quality assured and far more focused than are many current services. In addition, further research and monitoring are needed to quantify the problem, the potential for spread, and the likely outcomes in terms of drug-related crime and other issues. Figures, appended survey instrument and memorandum, and 54 references