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Taking Care of Business: The Economics of Crime by Heroin Abusers

NCJ Number
101848
Author(s)
B D Johnson; P J Goldstein; E Preble; J Schmeidler; D S Lipton; B Spunt; T Miller
Date Published
1986
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This is a summary of a study of the behavior of heroin abusers in Harlem (New York City): their purchase, use, and sale of drugs; their income from criminal and noncriminal sources; their expenditures for legal and illegal purposes; and the economic consequences of their activities.
Abstract
The researchers established a storefront research center in Harlem and interviewed heroin abusers about their daily drug usage and how they supported themselves. Most of the interviews were conducted from 1980 to 1982. Almost 90 percent of the subjects reported using cocaine and alcohol as well as heroin, and many heroin users are involved in the drug distribution system either full-time or part-time. Bartering heroin for another good or service is common. Heroin abusers commit a variety of crimes (robbery, burglary, theft, conning, drug sales) at high rates. The major impetus for this crime is to obtain the goods and money for drugs. Their crime drops dramatically when users enter treatment, but it may return to pretreatment levels after treatment ends. The study examines the pros and cons of various policies for dealing with heroin abuse and related crime. 4 suggested readings and 3 sources of information.