Drug Problem Recognition Among African American Drug-Using Arrestees

The authors examined demographic factors, drug-use severity indicators, social resources, and personal perceptions as correlates of drug problem recognition among African American drug-using arrestees. In particular, the authors sought to move beyond the ethnic gloss of prior research by including ethnicity-related attitudes, perceptions, and experiences among the factors tested. Multivariate regression analysis suggested that Conventional Moral Beliefs and Neighborhood Drug/Alcohol Problems were key determinants of the perception that one's own drug use is a problem. Implications of these findings for help-seeking and engagement in treatment among African American drug users are cited.