Plan for Estimating the Number of 'Hardcore' Drug Users in the United States:Preliminary Findings

摘要

This study was conducted in order to develop a method for estimating the numberof 'hardcore' drug users in the United States. Hardcore drug use is defined as the use of heroin, powder cocaine, or crack cocaine on eight or more days during at least one of the preceding two months. It is important that we have the ability to estimate the size of this population for a number of reasons. Hardcore drug users maintain the illegal drug market. They are responsible for a great deal of criminal activity, and the frequency and severity of this activity increases during periods of heavy use. Their behavior contributes to the spread of hepatitis and tuberculosis, as well as HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. And they provide a spring from which new epidemics of drug use flow. Concern had been raised regarding the ability of the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, and other Federally sponsored data collection systems, to reach and elicit accurate responses from members of this group. People who are heavily involved in drug use often refuse to admit that they engage in such activity, and they are characteristically difficult to locate for an interview.