Ethnic Group Differences in Drug Misuse Among Arrestees in the United Kingdom

Traditionally, the addiction literature has focused on white drug users and less attention has been given to users from ethnic minority groups. More recently, research investigating ethnic group differences in drug use and associated problem behaviors has emerged. This paper contributes to the growing research base by drawing on data collected from structured interviews with 4,631 arrestees conducted as part of the New English and Welsh Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (1999-2002) program. Clear ethnic group differences in drug use are identified. Arrestees who were white and of mixed race were found to be more serious drug users and to experience more associated problems than arrestees from other ethnic minority groups. The research and policy implications of the research are discussed and the study's limitations are noted.