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DrugScreening.org


 
Baltimore Sees Reduction in Heroin, Cocaine Use
February 5, 2002

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Research Summary

Baltimore, Md., where an estimated 60,000 of the city's 645,000 residents are drug-dependent, experienced a significant reduction in heroin and cocaine use among those enrolled in publicly funded treatment programs, Reuters reported Feb. 1.

A study conducted by the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and Morgan State University tracked arrest records, drug tests, and other data on 1,000 patients enrolled in 16 city programs from 1998 to 1999.

The Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems, Inc., study found that heroin use declined 69 percent and cocaine use dropped 48 percent in the 12 months after program participants began treatment. Alcohol use declined 19 percent.

In addition, the report found a 64-percent decline in criminal activity among participants. In Baltimore, drugs are connected to between 75 and 90 percent of local crime, including 259 murders last year.

As a result of the study's findings, city officials are urging state lawmakers to earmark an additional $9 million in funding to increase treatment program capacity by 12 percent.

"This study clearly shows that investing in drug treatment pays dramatic dividends almost immediately and keeps on paying a year after people enter treatment," said Baltimore Health Commissioner Peter Beilenson. "Treatment not only benefits the victim but the community as a whole, including the taxpayer."

The $2.7 million study is one of the most comprehensive reviews of an urban addiction treatment initiative to date.

An executive summary is available online at http://www.bsasinc.org/StepstoSuccessExecSummary.doc or as a link from the BSAS home page.

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