Fluctuating drug markets and HIV risk taking: Female drug users and their relationship with drug markets

Abstract

This paper focuses on recent changes in the drug market and in patterns of use in Atlanta, Georgia. Participant observation was conducted in four neighborhoods and in‐depth interviews were conducted with 40 female active drug users. Field notes and interview data were logged in a textual database and QSR Nu'dist was used for data management. Main changes included the growing prevalence of crack cocaine injection and the increasing heroin availability. The data showed that few central individuals could drive such changes and that the dissemination of new use patterns typically involved informal processes. A reduction in HIV risk was found among individuals who shifted from heroin injection to smoking. Specialized use settings formed a barrier against connections between both drug scenes. Most changes involved an increase in HIV risk taking. Changes in drug‐use patterns were driven by individual choices and larger community forces.

Key words:

• drug markets
• HIV risk taking
• heroin
• crack injection