Differences in Methamphetamine Users and Crack Cocaine Users

This research addresses basic differences between crack cocaine users and methamphetamine users. The sample consisted of stimulant users who tested positive for either crack cocaine and/or methamphetamine from three rural counties in eastern Arkansas. This study seeks to further existing knowledge concerning drug use by examining demographics, drug use patterns, criminal histories and parental substance abuse. The study used Respondent-Driven Sampling to accumulate a sample size of 211 participants. Data was obtained through self-reported demographic information, drug use, criminal histories, and parental substance abuse problems during individual interviews, which were also matched with the results from a urinary analysis to ensure drug use. It is imperative for researchers and policy makers to thoroughly understand drug use to develop effective preventative and treatment programs. Results of the analysis will be discussed along with implications and limitations of the study.