Drug and alcohol dependence
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Sep 2007
Prescription opioid abuse among enrollees into methadone maintenance treatment.
A multi-state survey of 5663 opioid dependent persons enrolling in 72 methadone maintenance treatment programs (MMTPs) was conducted to determine the prevalence of prescription opioid (PO) abuse, factors associated with PO abuse and sources for POs. Regions where PO abuse was believed to be prevalent were oversampled; primary opioid was defined as the drug used the most before coming to the MMTP. Among primary heroin abusers, 69% reported abusing POs. ⋯ One-third of PO abusers reported a history of injecting their primary drug. PO abuse is highly prevalent among MMTP patients. Future studies should describe HIV/HCV needle injection practices, characteristics that predict treatment outcomes, and factors that contribute to higher prevalence of persistent pain among PO abusers.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Sep 2007
Indicators of use of methamphetamine and other substances among men who have sex with men, San Francisco, 2003-2006.
Substance use has been associated with high-risk sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) both in the U.S. and around the world. Recent efforts by local organizations in San Francisco have specifically targeted methamphetamine use in this population. ⋯ Intensified prevention efforts to reduce methamphetamine use in San Francisco may be having some impact; however, strong associations of substance use and high-risk sex persist.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Sep 2007
Retail marijuana purchases in designer and commercial markets in New York City: sales units, weights, and prices per gram.
This paper documents the bifurcation of the market for commercial marijuana from the market for designer marijuana in New York City. Commercial marijuana is usually grown outdoors, imported to NYC, and of average quality. By contrast, several varities of designer marijuana are usually grown indoors from specially bred strains and carefully handled for maximum quality. ⋯ Imported commercial types Arizona and Chocolate were only found uptown, while designer brand names describing actual strains like Sour Diesel and White Widow were only found downtown. Findings indicate clear divisions between commercial and designer marijuana markets in New York City. The extent that these differences may be based upon different THC potencies is a matter for future research.