COCAINE, CRIME, AND DIVERSION PROGRAMS
This research addresses the interrelationships between cocaine use, crime, and diversion programs. In this introduction to the research, an overview is presented of the use of cocaine, the effects of such use of the physical and psychological health of users, the relationship of cocaine use and criminal activity, and new directions in the treatment of cocaine addiction. Following this introduction, a literature review pertaining to cocaine use, an introduction to the Broward County (Florida) Drug Court, a description of the Court's Outpatient Program, and a consideration of the effectiveness of diversion programs are presented in separate discussions.
The use of cocaine in the general population in the United States is not high. While 37 percent of all Americans report the use of an illegal substance at least once in their lifetime, only 13.3 percent report such use over the past year (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1991). Persons in the 18 34 year old age group report the highest use rates. The use of an illegal substance at least once in a lifetime is reported by 62.6 percent of those individuals in the 26 34 year old age group, and by 55.8 percent of those individuals in the 18 25 year old age group. The highest level of use over the past year, however, is among the 18 25 year old age group 28.7 percent, with a 21.9 percent use rate among those individuals in the 26 34 year old age group.
Although cocaine use represents a serious social problem in the country, only a small proportion of the population use the drug, and cocaine use is much lower than is marijuana use. Among persons under the age of 26, 5.3 percent report the use of cocaine over the past year, while 19.2 percent reported the use of marijuana. Overall illegal drug use over the past year was 28.7 percent for those individuals in the 18 25 year old age group, and 15.9 percent for those individuals in the 12 17 ...