Comparing IV and non-IV cocaine users: Characteristics of a sample of cocaine users seeking to participate in research

The authors examined differences between current intravenous (IV), past IV, and no IV cocaine use among a sample of cocaine users on measures of drug use, medical history, psychiatric history, and criminal history. Past IV cocaine users were older than non-IV cocaine users. The current IV cocaine- using group included more white participants, and the non-IV group included more African Americans. Those with past or current IV use had more extensive drug use histories than non-IV users. Also, more current and past IV cocaine- using groups reported having been tested for HIV and reported testing positive for hepatitis. Former IV cocaine users reported more emergency room visits for complications stemming from cocaine use. They also reported more treatment for substance abuse and were convicted of more crimes. These results suggest that the route of administration is important in studying the characteristics of drug users.