NCJ Number
144449
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Dated: (July 1993) Pages: 127-145
Date Published
1993
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Patterns and trends in drug abuse, drug prices, and the impacts of illegal drug use in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are described, with emphasis on heroin users.
Abstract
The research is part of a study of the feasibility of providing heroin and other opioids to current heroin users in a controlled manner. The analysis reveals that marijuana is the drug most often used by students aged 12-16, with 17 percent of the males and 11 percent of the females reporting having used the drug in the previous 4 weeks in a 1991 survey. The available data also indicate that illicit opioid users in the ACT are not a homogeneous group of people; most do not share the characteristics of the stereotypical "junkie." Existing data suggest that the ACT may have about 1,000 heroin addicts and more than 3,000 heroin users who are not addicts among the total population of more than 300,000. The nonaddicted users include first-time users, occasional users, opportunists, and committed casual users. More study is required to develop more precise estimates. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data is essential for determining the potential advantages and disadvantages of a pilot effort regarding heroin distribution. Tables, notes, and 45 references