In:
Journal of Drug Issues, SAGE Publications, Vol. 27, No. 4 ( 1997-10), p. 879-898
Abstract:
Recent increases in the prevalence of non-medical prescription drug use across the United States have prompted national concern about the sources of these drugs. The focus of this study is the process by which prescription drugs enter the United States from Mexico through “drug tourism.” Drug tourism refers to the phenomenon by which persons become attracted to a particular location because of the accessibility of licit or illicit drugs and related services. A loophole in U.S. Customs laws enables Americans to legally bring pharmaceutical drugs into the United States when accompanied by a Mexican prescription. Using ethnographic field methods, this study (1) describes the acquisition process, (2) develops a typology of consumers, and (3) explores the interaction between the actors in this process. This study provides a better understanding of the social dynamics of a “gray market” in prescription drugs, and identifies a hidden population of drug users.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0022-0426
,
1945-1369
DOI:
10.1177/002204269702700413
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
1997
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2051257-0
SSG:
2,1
SSG:
15,3
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