A Typology of Drug Selling Among Young Adults in the United States

Abstract

Background: Although studies have found that young adults who sell drugs are more likely to be involved in risky behaviors than those who do not sell drugs, there has been relatively little research that has explored heterogeneity among young adults who sell drugs. Methods: Using a pooled sample of 18 to 25 year olds from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2006–2010) who report past-year drug selling (N = 5,373), this study employs latent profile analysis to specify latent groups and assess the correlates of group membership. Results: Findings indicate substantial differences among young adults who sell drugs. In particular, the analysis found four groups of drug sellers: normative (49.6%), club drug users (23.6%), polysubstance users (16.0%), and criminal offenders (10.8%). Club drug users were characterized by high levels of ecstasy and hallucinogen use, polysubstance users were more likely to be depressed and anxious, White and female than the other groups. Criminal offenders were overwhelmingly male and more likely to be comprised of African-Americans and Hispanics. Conclusions: Results indicate that drug selling in early adulthood varies substantially. Contrary to media and popular notions most drug sellers are not involved in crime and polysubstance using drug sellers are in clear need of mental health services. Further, most drug sellers in this age range are White. Findings suggest that policy efforts that operate under the assumption of homogeneity of drug selling may be misguided.

Keywords :

• drug selling
• drug dealing
• young adults
• emerging adulthood
• drug use

THE AUTHORS

Michael G. Vaughn, Ph.D., is Professor in the School of Social Work at Saint Louis University. His research includes substance abuse, antisocial behavior, and violence. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and is a Fellow of the Society for Social Work and Research.

Christopher P. Salas-Wright, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin. His research interests include adolescent substance use and violence prevention; the epidemiology of high-risk and antisocial behavior; and the role of cultural processes in the development of Latino youth.

Matt DeLisi, Ph.D., is Coordinator of Criminal Justice Studies, Professor in the Department of Sociology, and Affiliate with the Center for the Study of Violence at Iowa State University. A Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Dr. DeLisi is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Criminal Justice.

Jeffrey J. Shook, Ph.D., is Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh. His research examines the intersection of law, policy, and practice in the lives of children and youth. Specifically, his research focuses on drug selling the transfer of juveniles to the adult criminal justice system.

Lauren Terzis, MSW, is a Doctoral student in the School of Social Work. She is a native from Sydney, Australia. Lauren's research interests include the immigrant and refugee populations and the immigrant paradox and risky behaviors.

GLOSSARY

• Drug selling: The exchange of licit or illicit substances for money, drugs, or other material gain.

• Externalizing behavior: Characterized by general disinhibition and what are commonly termed “acting out” behaviors, including aggression and violence, theft, property destruction, and substance use.

• Homogeneity assumption: The view that the variance in a behavioral or social phenomenon such as drug selling is limited or roughly equal across persons.