NCJ Number
191248
Date Published
November 2001
Length
106 pages
Annotation
Based on discussions with 83 epidemiologists, ethnographers, law enforcement officials, and methadone and nonmethadone treatment providers from 21 "Pulse Check" sites, the majority of these sources consider the drug problem to be very serious but stable as assessed between May and July 2001.
Abstract
When asked about synthetic opiates, sources reported the diversion and abuse of the prescription pain reliever OxyContin as the emerging drug problem in their sites. Abuse of this drug and diverted sales are emerging in the "rave" and nightclub scene in Billings, Boston, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and St. Louis. Heroin availability remains generally stable at high levels, with only a few increases and no declines reported. Crack cocaine remains widely available in the majority of sites, with few changes in availability or price. Powder cocaine remains widely available, with few changes in price or purity. Marijuana availability continues to be wide and stable in nearly every site; however, hydroponically grown marijuana availability is increasing in several cities, including Chicago, Miami, St. Louis, and Washington, DC. Methamphetamine continues to be more widely available in the West than in other U.S. regions; Moreover, half of western sources report increasing availability. Ecstasy continues to be the most available such drug, followed by gamma hydroxybutyrate, ketamine, and flunitrazepam. For each type of drug, information is also provided on user characteristics and mechanisms of use. 11 exhibits and appended methodology description, population demographics in the 21 sites, national-level data sources available in the 21 sites, and discussion areas by source type