NCJ Number
144403
Date Published
1993
Length
78 pages
Annotation
Based on case studies of the emergence and spread of crack in Manhattan, N.Y. and Los Angeles and the introduction of the smokable crystal methamphetamine called ice in Hawaii, this report outlines a useful approach to identifying and curtailing the use of new drugs before they increase to epidemic proportions.
Abstract
The analysis notes that the development of a specific form of drug abuse takes place in the context of current local attitudes about drugs and about specific types of drugs. The seven stages in the abuse of a new drug include (1) endemic use in small, isolated communities or subcultures; (2) grassroots changes to various types of drugs or preparations; (3) local coalescence of opinion that a specific drug is the favored one; (4) acceleration of distribution of the favored preparation by enterprising dealers; (5) precipitous increases in use; (6) epidemic use and system overload; and (7) media coverage. The analysis also indicates that no single source of information appears adequate for monitoring the increasing popularity of an illegal drug. The analysis concludes that frequent community monitoring, coupled with cooperation among law enforcement agencies, has the potential to dismantle drug markets before they are fully established. Recommendations for local action, chapter notes, appended list of contacts for further information, and 65 references