Pulse Check: National Trends in Drug Abuse, Summer 1995

• NCJ Number: 155187
• Author(s): D Hunt
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 36 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of National Drug Control Policy
• Corporate Author: Abt Associates, Inc
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; Office of National Drug Control Policy
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC.

Annotation

Based on telephone conversations with drug ethnographers and epidemiologists, law enforcement agents, and drug treatment providers all over the country over a 3-week period during late spring of 1995, this report provides a current picture of drug use in America.

Abstract

The survey focused on the use of heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and emerging drugs. The report notes that high-purity, low-cost heroin is available in most urban areas of the country. This high level of purity has made possible inhaling heroin, a practice that is apparently increasing in popularity in most areas. In the South, injection remains the most popular mode of ingestion; in the West, lower-purity black tar heroin dominates the market, and injection remains the most popular mode of ingestion. Treatment providers in all four regions report increases in the number of clients entering treatment with heroin as the primary drug of abuse. Although cocaine use remains a major problem in many areas, there is growing evidence that users may be "burning out" or turning to other drugs. Crack users are reportedly buying larger quantities of cocaine powder and making their own crack supplies, reducing the demand for street-level crack. The number of clients who entered treatment with cocaine as their primary drug of abuse increased only slightly in all four regions. In all reporting locations, the availability and use of marijuana is reported as high. Use is reported as increasing in all locations except for Colorado, Florida, Texas, and one area of California. Unlike the users of other drugs, marijuana users cross all ethnic, gender, and age boundaries in all regions; most users tend to be under 20 years old. The proportion of clients entering treatment with marijuana as the primary drug of abuse remains low, especially when compared to heroin and cocaine. This does not necessarily reflect a low level of marijuana use. Methamphetamine use continues to be reported as increasing, often competing in the market with other stimulants like cocaine. Rohypnol, a powerful sedative like Valium, has appeared as a drug of abuse among youth and young adults in the South, particularly in Texas and Florida. 9 tables