Summary Of Findings

• The distribution of heroin and cocaine by the same dealers and in the same markets appears in more areas than ever before, adding to evidence that new heroin source areas and new distribution networks have emerged.

• Heroin use is reported to be increasing in most areas. While the majority of users are still reported to be older, established ones, the ethnographers in many areas report increased use among younger, suburban users. These new users are more likely to inhale than to inject the drug.

• Cocaine and crack use continue to level off and are reported to have stabilized in most areas. Despite relatively unchanged availability, cocaine and crack appear to be perceived as a less desirable drug than was true several months ago, particularly among the young.

• Marijuana use continues to increase in all areas, particularly among teens and young adults.

• "Club drugs" like Ketamine, MDMA, and LSD remain popular among middle and upper income youth.

• Methamphetamine use appears to be spreading beyond the Western and Southwestern regions of the country into urban areas of the Northwest, the South and the Mid-Atlantic.