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  How much do they spend on drugs? Are all users dealers?

Posted: December 07, 2004 13:15

Golub A, Johnson BD. How much do Manhattan-arrestees spend on drugs? Drug and Alcohol Dependence (2004) 76;3:235-246



Dear Colleagues,

This report analyses responses from over 2000 detailed questionnaires concerning specific sums paid for a variety of drugs in the 30 days prior to being arrested in Manhattan between 1998 and 2002.

The authors state in their results summary: "Among 2000-2002 arrestees, median drug expense in the past 30 days varied widely with frequency of use and drug-user type. Infrequent marijuana-only users spent as little as $5, daily marijuana-only users spent about $600. Arrestees who used both heroin and cocaine spent over $1000. Estimates with the 1998-1999 data were about half as large". "The amounts expended on drugs based upon the most recent episode(s) of drug consumption were almost twice as large as estimates derived from asking arrestees how much they had spent for drugs in the past 30 days."

While corresponding research is rare elsewhere, we do know that most heroin users applying for treatment in Sydney have been injecting (a minority smoke or sniff) almost daily and commonly between A$25 and A$100 (~US$600 - $2400 per month). Cocaine is much more expensive in Australia and is not seen in the form of crack at all. Injected cocaine is nearly always in binge-type use and is apparently uncommon outside of inner Sydney. Since retention in good quality treatment is high, and heroin/cocaine use is known to reduce dramatically while in treatment, the actuarial losses to the illicit market and reductions in law enforcement costs must be substantial, quite apart from humanitarian benefits and lessened viral disease transmission.

On related matters from New York, Davis, Johnson and other colleagues show that in upper, eastern Manhattan almost half of all drug users are also currently involved in some part of drug distribution. Those involved in dealing drugs were more likely to have HIV, higher incomes and to be in current drug treatment, but to have poorer education, housing and employment status than those not involved. While more women than men are involved, men are more likely to be involved in direct selling. [Citation: Davis WR, Johnson BD et al. Gender differences in the distribution of cocaine and heroin in Central Harlem. Drug Alc Dependence (2005) 77:115-127]

Comments by Andrew Byrne ..

 

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