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Pulse Check
National Trends in Drug Abuse
Spring 1996
Heroin
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Heroin's popularity continues to rise in many areas of the country. Most heroin users are
older, long-term drug abusers, but sources report that more teenagers, young adults, middle and
working class people, and suburban residents are using heroin.
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Purity is high everywhere except the South. Prices for heroin are variable, but in general,
they remain low. Heroinþs high purity and low price has driven new dIand and drawn some
former addicts back into use.
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Last winter, many treatment providers reported a fairly even split between clients who
inhaled and clients who injected heroin. Providers in most areas now report approximately a
three- fourths/one-fourth split favoring injection. This may show that inhalation is a transition
phase that switches to injection after a few years of use.
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In some areas, cocaine dealers are also selling heroin, a practice called "double-breasted"
dealing or "one on one" sales. Distributors of South American cocaine are offering or even
pressuring lower level dealers to sell South American heroin. As a result, cocaine/crack dealers
who are inexperienced at "cutting" or diluting heroin are using harmful adulterants and selling
dangerous mixtures. Also, there are reports that more South American heroin is available in
street markets.
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The illicit market for methadone, a narcotic used to treat heroin addiction, is growing. This
suggests that more heroin users are becoming addicted and searching for ways to control or
reduce their use.
Cocaine
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Cocaine and crack use are stable in most areas even though availability is still high.
Ethnographic sources in New York, Colorado, and Southern California say that use may even
be declining.
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However, in Texas, cocaine use has increased in some middle income communities. In
Delaware and Washington, D.C., there are reports of more new fIale cocaine users. The
ethnographer in Atlanta reports that crack use has become more common in some nearby
suburbs.
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Crack users appear to be an "aging" population with fewer young people entering the
crack culture. However, sources report that there is a steady cohort of older users who use
crack compulsively.
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Cocaine prices have remained stable. They range from approximately $60–$120/gram for
cocaine powder (HCl), and $5–$20/unit of crack.
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Treatment providers now see more clients who also have a diagnosed mental illness, known
as "dual diagnosis" or "mentally ill chemical abuse" (MICA) clients. Providers state that
MICA clients strain limited resources because of their complex social and medical needs.
Marijuana
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All but five ethnographic sources report that marijuana use is up in their area. It is
reported as stable in parts of the West and New York.
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In general, users are young and represent all ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Marijuana
users may also consume LSD, MDMA, Ketamine, and a number of other organic and synthetic
drugs.
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In all areas except California, high quality marijuana is widely available. Prices vary with
quality and range from $60–$300/ounce. Marijuana cigarettes or cigars laced with crack or PCP
command higher prices.
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In general, marijuana sellers continue to be young users who sell to a network of friends
and associates. Marijuana sellers usually do not deal heroin or cocaine.
Emerging Drugs
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Methamphetamine use continues to rise in the West and Northwest, and has made inroads
into new areas. Its most popular form appears to be in "crystals" which are snorted or
injected, and it is often used as a cocaine substitute.
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In Southern California, police report that cocaine, particularly crack, now has a "lowlife"
image, while methamphetamine is considered "hip." In California, many users ingest a mix of
heroin and methamphetamine, a process called "speedballing."
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Rohypnol, a powerful sedative, is increasingly prevalent in the Southwest and in the
Mid-Atlantic region. Ethnographers report that it was formerly one of several þclub drugsþ
used by young people, but it has now reached a wider audience and is becoming a street drug.
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Other "club drugs," including Ketamine, Quaaludes, Xanax, MDMA, and LSD, continue
to rise in popularity among young adults.
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There is increased interest in "natural products" found in health food stores and mail order
catalogs. Many of these products contain ephedrine, a drug that reportedly mimics
methamphetamine. These products are currently legal, and in most areas, uncontrolled. They
are often marketed as energy enhancers or weight loss aids.
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