Starting, switching, stopping: users' explanations of illicit drug use

Seventy-two regular illicit drug users were interviewed at two time points (December 1987 to June 1988 and September 1989 to April 1990) as part of a longitudinal study which aims to assess changing patterns of drug use in the community. Descriptive information relating to initiation, continuation and cessation is presented using quotations from drug users made to the author during extensive periods of fieldwork. The existence of a myriad of personal, social and economic factors which combine to facilitate and maintain drug involvement is apparent. The implications with regard to education and prevention are discussed.