Prevalence and Correlates of Drug Use and Dependence in the United States

• DOI: 10.1001/archpsyc.1995.03950150051010
• Publication Date: 2011-11-29T02:14:50Z
• Authors: Lynn A. Warner
• Keywords: Hashish

To analyze nationally representative data on the lifetime and 12-month prevalences of use dependence illegal drugs (marijuana/hashish, cocaine/crack, heroin, hallucinogens), nonmedical prescription psychotropic (sedatives, tranquilizers, stimulants, analgesics), inhalants; to examine sociodemographic correlates dependence.The come from National Comorbidity Survey, a structured diagnostic interview administered persons aged 15 54 years that generates reliable diagnoses according definitions criteria DSM-III-R.Of respondents, 51.0% used one above at some time in their lives, 15.4% did so past 12 months. These estimates are similar those obtained 1991 Household Survey Drug Abuse, where prevalence was 45.2% 16.7% among respondents age range years. Of 7.5% (14.7% users) were dependent lives 1.8% The estimate for reduced 5.3% when calculated percentage 28 who reported an onset as 10 earlier (ie, they 18 44 old) computed. This is Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study 5.1% years, comparison matches two studies year assessment, risk, cohort. Males significantly more likely report both dependence. Use found be common cohorts born after World War II than before end war. demographic predictors differed users, these, turn, recent people with history dependence.Drug highly prevalent general population. fact there differences first use, persistence means future research aimed pinpointing modifiable risk factors must based disaggregated analyses separate stages progression.