DRUG-USE PATTERNS OF ADULT CRACK USERS IN STREET VERSUS RESIDENTIAL-TREATMENT SAMPLES

Studies of treatment samples have long been the primary source of gene ralizations about drug users, especially for drugs with very low preva lence rates in the general population, such as heroin and crack. Sampl e selection bias is briefly discussed, and a 1988-1990 study of 699 co caine users in Miami is described. The drug patterns of the 387 adult crack users interviewed in that study are compared by sample type-resi dential treatment versus street, controlling for gender. Some similari ties between sample types were found, but differences were more numero us. Notably, street respondents started cocaine at a younger age; had used crack regularly for a longer period of time; were more likely to have used pills, heroin, and freebase cocaine; were much more likely t o be using crack (but only crack) on a daily basis; and were more like ly to obtain crack by being paid in it, especially for drug dealing. T reatment respondents were more likely to use multiple forms of cocaine , to use cocaine in a binge pattern and with high per-day dosages, and to pay for cocaine with cash they got from a job.