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"Turning on" other persons to drugs
The International Journal of the Addictions
|September 1, 1984
Summary
Drug use transmission often occurs within two years of initial use, particularly with marijuana. However, some individuals transmit drug use, like marijuana, over five years after first use.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Understanding drug transmission dynamics is crucial for public health interventions.
- Previous research suggests social networks play a role in substance use initiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test hypotheses regarding the timing and likelihood of drug use transmission.
- To examine patterns of drug transmission based on a national survey.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from a recent national survey on drug use.
- Statistical examination of transmission events in relation to time since initial drug use.
Main Results:
- The hypothesis that drug use transmission is most likely within a short period (2 years) after initial use is supported.
- Marijuana users are more likely to transmit drug use compared to other illicit drug users.
- A significant portion of marijuana users (29%) transmitted use five or more years after their own onset of use, rejecting a strict "short period" transmission hypothesis.
Conclusions:
- Drug use transmission is more common early in the user's experience but can extend beyond this period.
- Marijuana has a higher transmission rate than other illicit drugs.
- Interventions targeting early-stage drug users may be effective in preventing transmission.