Use of Stimulant/Depressant Drugs by Drug Abuse Clients in Selected Metropolitan Areas

Abstract

Survey was made of reported nonmedical use of prescription stimulant/ depressant drugs among 427 consecutive admissions to 30 clinics in five urban areas. 36% both of all admissions and of all opiate users reported nonmedical use of stimulant/depressant drugs in the preceding year and 21% of each of the two groups reported such use in the preceding month. Drugs were about as likely to be obtained through street buys as through prescriptions.