The CEWG is a network of researchers from 21 U.S. metropolitan areas and selected foreign countries who meet semiannually to provide ongoing community-level surveillance of drug abuse using quantitative and qualitative research data. During the group's 47th meeting (Los Angeles, December 1999), participants presented and discussed current epidemiologic information concerning the nature and patterns of drug abuse, emerging trends, characteristics of vulnerable populations, and social and health consequences of drug abuse in the United States. Several noteworthy findings emerged since the previous 6-month period. (1) Following several reporting periods of stable or declining trends, some indicators of cocaine abuse—especially emergency department (ED) mentions (see graph)—suggest slight rebounds in many cities; increases among younger age groups in some cities (such as Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, and Denver) warrant watching. Other indicators, however, continue to suggest declining or stable trends. (2) Heroin indicators are mixed. Younger populations continue to initiate use in several cities, and—disturbingly—some are shifting from snorting to injecting. (3) Marijuana indicators suggest generally increasing or stable trends. (4) Declines in methamphetamine consequences are reported in most sites, especially as reflected in ED data. (5) "Club drugs," especially GHB, GBL, and MDMA, continue to spread across the country.
Learning Objectives: To link epidemiologic information from a national drug abuse surveillance system with preventive intervention, treatment, and other public health actions and research decisions
Keywords: Drug Use, Epidemiology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Institute on Drug Abuse
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: contract