“I Always Kept a Job”: Income Generation, Heroin Use and Economic Uncertainty in 21st Century Detroit

Abstract

This qualitative study, based on a series of 30 in-depth interviews and 109 economic surveys conducted with active heroin users residing in and around Detroit, Michigan, describes reported patterns of heroin use and income generation activities. In spite of lack of access to regular, legal employment, we found that many participants displayed a dedication to regular daily routine and a sense of risk management or control. These findings are discussed relative to past research on heroin addiction as well as recent research on the changing nature of employment. We argue that this sample fits somewhere in between the controlled or working addict, and the “junkie” or “righteous dope fiend” of urban lore. We draw a connection between these stable patterns of addiction and income generation and the demands of informal and insecure labor markets. Finally, we discuss the implications of these findings for further research, interventions, and public policy.

Increased drug use and the timing of social assistance receipt among people who use illicit drugs

“…Specifically, research from Vancouver, Canada (DeBeck et al, 2011; Kerr T et al, 2008; Long et al, 2014) and other settings (Bretteville-Jensen & Sutton, 1996; Fischer B, 1999; Grapendaal et al, 1995; Sherman & Latkin, 2002) suggest that people who self-report high intensity drug use are more likely to report income from street-based activities such as sex work and drug-dealing. Engagement in street-based activities may impede decreasing drug use (Ti L, 2014), directly when individuals are paid in drugs rather than money (Bretteville-Jensen & Sutton, 1996; Shannon K et al, 2008; Small et al, 2013) and indirectly as individuals may increase drug use in response to work stresses (Draus PJ, 2010; Erikson P, 2002). Taken together, this body of research suggests the potential for reverse causality in the income and drug intensity relationship: higher intensity drug use may lead individuals to generate income, but income generation strategies (particularly from sex work and drug dealing) may in turn contribute to higher intensity drug use.…”

The impact of engagement in street-based income generation activities on stimulant drug use cessation among people who inject drugs

“…It is well known that illicit drug dependence plays an important role in contributing to an increased reliance on various street-based income generation activities as a means of generating money to buy drugs (Deering et al, 2013; Maher and Curtis, 1992). However, there is also evidence to suggest that some individuals engaged in the street-based economy become increasingly dependent on illicit drugs as a way to cope with the difficulties and demands of their work (Draus et al, 2010; Erickson et al, 2000; Yahne et al, 2002). …”

Middle-Class Motives for Non-Medical Prescription Stimulant Use among College Students

“…While there are subtle differences depending on the drug in question and the characteristics of users, the general distinction that drug users make is between those who are functional and those who are dysfunctional. That is, between those who can handle their drug use and those who cannot (Boeri 2004;Draus, Roddy, and Greenwald 2010;Rødner 2005). Making such distinctions has a significant impact on the daily activities of drug users.…”