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Cocaine abuse in Japan
1Division of Drug Dependence and Psychotropic Drug Clinical Research, National Institute of Mental Health, Chiba-ken, Japan.
Arukoru Kenkyu to Yakubutsu Izon = Japanese Journal of Alcohol Studies & Drug Dependence
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Cocaine abuse is rising in Japan, with abusers more closely resembling marijuana users than methamphetamine users in demographics and arrest patterns. This trend highlights a shift in illicit drug use within the country.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Psychiatry
- Criminology
Background:
- Japan has observed a significant increase in cocaine abuse since 1988.
- Cocaine-related arrests rose from 43 in 1988 to 122 by 1991.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the demographic characteristics and arrest patterns of cocaine abusers in Japan.
- To compare cocaine abusers with methamphetamine (MAP) and marijuana abusers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of National Police Agency data on drug law violators.
- Review of nationwide psychiatric hospital surveys on drug patients.
Main Results:
- Cocaine arrests were primarily for possession (50%), unlike MAP arrests (50% for use).
- Cocaine abusers were predominantly in their 20s, with a higher percentage of foreigners (27%) compared to MAP users (4%).
- Demographically, cocaine abusers showed more similarities to marijuana abusers than MAP abusers, particularly in education and income levels.
Conclusions:
- Cocaine abuse in Japan presents distinct patterns compared to methamphetamine abuse.
- The demographic profile of cocaine abusers aligns more closely with that of marijuana abusers.
- These findings suggest a unique trajectory for cocaine use in Japan, differing from other illicit substances.