The Downtown Eastside Demographic Study of Single Room Occupancy (SRO) and Social Housing Tenants, was completed in July 2008 by the City of Vancouver to examine many aspects and demographics of DTES residents. Included in this was the issue of drug use, which provided a look into the reach of drug addiction in the area.
Over half of the respondents, 57 percent said they were drug users including 28 percent who responded they were regular users.
Respondents were asked to identify the type of drugs they use and to estimate the cost of their substance use.
Of those who responded they were active drug users: 51 percent said they use marijuana, 35 percent said they use crack, 13 percent reported using cocaine, 10 percent reported using heroin, and four percent responded they were crystal methamphetamine users. Some respondents did report that they use more than one drug.
In terms of the total cost of their habits: the estimated average cost was $30 per day. Eleven percent estimated their drug addiction use to be more than $100 per day. $20 per day was spent by 45 percent of respondents, 34 percent of respondents said they spent $5 to $19 per day on drug use, while 22 percent of respondents spent less than $5 per day.
In order to formulate solutions to the issue of addiction, you must first adequately evaluate who is affects and in what ways. This study shows that there is a high concentration of regular and non regular drug users in Vancouver’s DTES using a variety of substances, with average drug expenditure at $30 per day. This equates to an average yearly expenditure of over $10,000. Its interesting to note the highest percentage of respondents used marijuana- a substance used by people who commonly would not be considered addicts, even used recreationally. This may be evidence for arguments regarding its role as a “gateway drug” opening the door for further substance abuse, or may also be used by respondents in combination with other substances.
This study also suggests that the problem is not centered on one type of drug use, but a variety, suggesting that a solution will have to take into account the various effects the specific substances have. Consideration of the landscape of drug abuse and its effects on individuals, the neighborhood, and community is critical to developing solutions the will be effective in practice.
BWiles
sunnyhoshingchan
changmai
mattbaril
