CAREERS IN CRACK, DRUG-USE, DRUG DISTRIBUTION, AND NONDRUG CRIMINALITY

The Careers in Crack Project examined the impact of crack cocaine on the lives of users and sellers of crack, heroin, and cocaine powder recruited in Manhattan in 1988-1989 (N = 1,003). This article summarizes findings that place in context and even debunk several myths about use of crack and the crack culture, presents insights into the crack epidemic and its impact on individuals, evaluates the vigorous public policy attempts to control use of crack, and suggests potentially more effective alternatives.