NCJ Number
192484
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 36 Issue: 12 Dated: 2001 Pages: 1699-1729
Date Published
2001
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This article examines the growth in hallucinogen use in the United States from 1992-1996 and associated increases in cocaine, crack, heroin, and amphetamine use.
Abstract
The paper presents a secondary analysis of data from two surveys of the U.S. population: the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) and the Monitoring the Future (MTF) programs. The inquiry was also informed by limited qualitative information about the nature of club drugs venues and by a conceptualization for the dynamics of a drug use epidemic. The paper summarizes much of what is known about the nature of club drug venues from scientific publications. The central linkage between increased hallucinogen use and increased participation in "club drug venues" has not yet been established. This distinction represents more than a rhetorical exercise. Knowledge about the context(s) in which use of hallucinogens or other presumed club drugs has been growing has important implications for developing an appropriately targeted public policy response. National statistics strongly suggest that the marijuana/blunts subculture (at least a strong interest in marijuana) has diffused well beyond the inner city. In contrast, the quintessential club drugs use experience -- the rave -- offers all-night dancing to a wealthier, predominantly white population. The article notes that these two subcultures appear to have emerged simultaneously, although the extent of overlap is not yet clear. Figures, tables, references