Powder cocaine and crack use in the United States: An examination of risk for arrest and socioeconomic disparities in use

Abstract

Background In light of the current sentencing disparity (18:1) between crack and powder cocaine possession in the United States, we examined socioeconomic correlates of use of each, and relations between use and arrest, to determine who may be at highest risk for arrest and imprisonment. Methods We conducted secondary data analyses on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2009–2012. Data were analyzed for adults age ≥18 to determine associations between use and arrest. Socioeconomic correlates of lifetime and annual use of powder cocaine and of crack were delineated using multivariable logistic regression and correlates of frequency of recent use were examined using generalized negative binomial regression. Results Crack users were at higher risk than powder cocaine users for reporting a lifetime arrest or multiple recent arrests. Racial minorities were at low risk for powder cocaine use and Hispanics were at low risk for crack use. Blacks were at increased risk for lifetime and recent crack use, but not when controlling for other socioeconomic variables. However, blacks who did use either powder cocaine or crack tended to use at higher frequencies. Higher education and higher family income were negatively associated with crack use although these factors were sometimes risk factors for powder cocaine use. Conclusions Crack users are at higher risk of arrest and tend to be of lower socioeconomic status compared to powder cocaine users. These findings can inform US Congress as they review the proposed Smarter Sentencing Act of 2014, which would help eliminate cocaine-related sentencing disparities.

Habilidades sociais como fatores de risco e proteção entre homens usuários de crack

“…Os resultados indicaram a corroboração com as pesquisas anteriores, nacionais e internacionais, sobre tal população. Demais estudos destacam as seguintes características em relação aos consumidores de crack: solteiros ou separados, com filhos, com baixo nível de escolaridade e a presença do uso de outras substâncias ao longo da vida, aspectos que também foram encontrados nos participantes desta pesquisa (Duailibi, Ribeiro, & Laranjeira, 2008;Palamar et al, 2015;Yur'yev & Akerele, 2015). Tais características também foram encontradas no presente estudos.…”

The use of crack and other drugs by children and adolescents and their repercussions in the family environment

“…The link between violence and drug abuse affects all areas of society, and consumption a major risk factor for violent behavior, such as homicide, suicide, domestic violence and traffic accidents. Drug abuse among children and adolescents, as well as a socially vulnerable environment, can stimulate violent behavior 3,21 .…”

“…It is observed the increase in consumption associated with questions about the effectiveness of treatment plans and also the difficulties in adjusting the offer of services responsible for treatment and rehabilitation. Costs and social and clinical consequences associated with drug use are important, and users are socially marginalized and economically, with high risks of morbidity and mortality [1][2][3] . It should be noted that cocaine, in its different presentations, especially in the form of stone, known as crack, has shown a significant change in the forms and contexts of use, although it can not treat it as absolute evil 3,4 .…”

“…Costs and social and clinical consequences associated with drug use are important, and users are socially marginalized and economically, with high risks of morbidity and mortality [1][2][3] . It should be noted that cocaine, in its different presentations, especially in the form of stone, known as crack, has shown a significant change in the forms and contexts of use, although it can not treat it as absolute evil 3,4 . Among the risk factors for substance use, point to the cultural aspects, interpersonal relationships and the psychological and biological issues.…”

Especificidades do tratamento de mulheres usuárias de crack: interface com direitos humanos

“…Para tanto, considerando-se que a maioria dos estudos nacionais e internacionais é voltada ao perfil dos homens usuários de drogas (Duailibi, Ribeiro, & Laranjeira, 2008;Palamar, Davies, Ompad, Cleland, & Weitzman, 2015), com carência de estudos sobre mulheres usuárias de crack na literatura brasileira , as pesquisas precisam avançar. Sendo assim, este estudo teve o objetivo de descrever as especificidades do tratamento de mulheres usuárias de crack, analisando sua interface com os direitos humanos.…”