Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
Differences in self-reported discrimination by primary type of drug used among New York City drug users
Natalie D Crawford1, Abby E Rudolph, Kandice Jones
1Department of Epidemiology, Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. ncraw@umich.edu
Background:
Illicit drug users experience various forms of discrimination which may vary by type of drug used, as there are different levels of stigma associated with different types of drugs.
Objectives:
This study investigated self-report of perceived discrimination by primary type of drug used.
Methods:
This analysis used data from "Social Ties Associated with Risk of Transition into Injection Drug Use" (START), a cross-sectional study of recently initiated injection drug users (IDUs) and prospective study of heroin/crack/cocaine-using non-IDUs (n = 652). Using log binomial regression, the relationship between primary drug used (i.e., single drug used most often) with discrimination due to drug use was examined.
Results:
Heroin users were significantly more likely (Prevalence ratio (PR): 1.52 (95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.15-2.07)) to report discrimination due to drug use compared to cocaine users.
Conclusion And Scientific Significance:
More research is needed to understand the mechanism through which discrimination affects heroin users, and its potential relation with other discrimination-related outcomes, namely depression and drug treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Pharmacodynamic Responses: Different Types
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
An Overview of Psychoactive Drugs
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...

