Cocaine Use, by Age Group, Population Density, and Region (Tables 4.1 to 4.3)

In 1997, cocaine use was less common in nonmetropolitan areas than in either small or large metropolitan areas. For example, approximately 11% of those living in large or small metropolitan areas, had used cocaine at least once in their lifetime, while only about 7% of those in nonmetropolitan areas had ever used cocaine. Few significant differences in past year and past month use were found between population density groups. However, past year use was higher among 12 to 17 year olds in small metropolitan areas compared with large metropolitan areas, and past month use was higher among 26 to 34 year olds in nonmetropolitan areas than among their counterparts in small metropolitan areas.

Overall, there were few regional differences in past year and current use. Among young adults aged 18 to 25, the rate of current cocaine use was significantly higher for those living in the West (2%) compared with those living in the South (0.8%) and Northeast (0.6%). The rate was significantly higher in the 26 to 34 middle adult age group for those in the South (1.2%) compared with those in the North Central region (0.4%). Interestingly, this is opposite to the pattern observed for past year and current marijuana use (see Chapter 3).

This page was last updated on December 30, 2008.

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