Substance Abuse

Overview
Visualizations (2)
Data

Description:

Abuse of alcohol and drugs is often associated with criminal behavior, and is frequently identified as a major obstacle for individuals seeking to quit such behavior. The data in this section were produced by a project seeking to better determine how many suspects do abuse alcohol and drugs, and how much. The 2007 Arizona Arrestee Reporting Information Network Annual Adult Report was based on self-reported alcohol and drug use and urine tests from 1,600 arrestees at five adult and juvenile intake facilities in Maricopa County.

Data Source:

These data come from the first (2007) Arizona Arrestee Reporting Information Network Annual Adult Report, a publication based on a research project funded by Maricopa County and designed to provide information about drug abuse and drug-related activities among arrestees in the county. The data, consisting of self-reported drug use and urine tests, were collected from 1,600 arrestees at five adult and juvenile intake facilities. http://www.maricopa.gov/CriminalJustice/AARIN.aspx

Data Quality Comments:

Urine specimens are tested for alcohol and four illicit drugs–cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and opiates. Drug screening is done using the enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT), and initial positive results are confirmed using Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrum detection (GC/MS). These procedures are especially valid for the four drugs tested, but limited in their reliability to 12 to 24 hours after use for alcohol. The AARIN study was applied only to arrestees in custody for 48 hours or less.