Heroin diffusion in the mid-Hudson region of New York State.
OBJECTIVE
Prompted by the history of heroin diffusion in the United States, press reports and building on previous research into retail heroin distribution, ethnographic research was undertaken identifying and describing retail distribution and diffusion of heroin in and into medium- and small-sized towns in the mid-Hudson region of New York State.


METHODS
In conjunction with fieldwork, in-depth tape-recorded interviews were conducted with recent admissions (30 days) at 28 different drug treatment facilities located in the region. Interviews were also conducted with drug counselors, narcotic officers, drug treatment administrators and the county commissioners of mental hygiene.


RESULTS
Heroin-dependent individuals who have access to cheaper heroin in urban areas, such as New York City, Newark, and Patterson, New Jersey, drive retail heroin distribution in the mid-Hudson region. They travel to these cities, purchase heroin in quantity (costing $8-10 per bag), return to the region and sell premium-priced heroin ($20-$25 per bag) mostly to irregular users who do not have access to retail drug sellers in urban areas.


CONCLUSIONS
Price disparity contributes to a recurrent process whereby irregular users who are able to gain access to cheaper heroin in urban areas, return to the mid-Hudson and sell premium-priced heroin to other users who do not have access to cheaper heroin. This process contributes to the diffusion of heroin abuse.
Furst
R Terry
RT
John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY), NY, USA. tfurst3334@aol.com
Herrmann
Christopher
C
Leung
Ray
R
Galea
John
J
Hunt
Kirsten
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D003932:Heroin / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000600:supply & distribution; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D009519:New York City; D015995:Prevalence; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology
D013287:Illicit Drugs; D003932:Heroin