A Vulnerable Population in a Time of Crisis: Drug Users and the Attacks on the World Trade Center

Drug Use Frequency Among Street-Recruited Heroin and Cocaine Users in Harlem and the Bronx Before and After September 11, 2001

“…Our findings are consistent with the study by Weiss et al, 7 also in this volume. Their study consists of ongoing qualitative interviews with 57 current and former injecting drug users who live throughout New York City.…”

The Impact of Bam Earthquake on Substance Users in the First 2 Weeks: A Rapid Assessment

“…4 The few studies that are available focus on general change of substance use after months following a disaster. Most findings suggest increased use, and some have found limited overall change.…”

“…Most findings suggest increased use, and some have found limited overall change. [4][5][6]8 Deren et al 7 conducted a study immediately and within 2-3 months after September 11, 2001. They reported concerns of service providers and drug users about the impact of the disaster on drug availability and drug purity, increased demand for and use of drugs, as well as an apparent increase in requests for drug treatment.…”

“…Similar findings have been reported in other studies as well. 4,8 In societies where drug abuse is prevalent, this problem is among the most important social and health issues in disasters, and necessary arrangements should be present in advance.…”

“…Few studies have specifically documented the situation of drug users immediately after a disaster, [4][5][6][7] and in those study populations, drug abuse was not widespread. In Bam city, opium use among men is quite common, and it created problems after the earthquake.…”