The Institute for
Special
Populations Research
Conducting studies using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the Institute for Special Populations Research (ISPR) focuses on substance use/abuse among diverse, at-risk populations. These include persons involved in criminal behaviors (robbery, burglary, thefts, sex work), those engaged in regular use and distribution of crack, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana/blunts. Staff study persons from marginalized groups such as the poor, the homeless, distressed househols, arrestees, and those from particular ethnic communities. The ISPR investigates the epidemiology and consequences of drug use/abuse and documents criminal careers in this area. Responsible for directing the largest substance abuse-focused pre- and post-doctoral training program in the United States, the ISPR places special emphasis on the recruitment, training, and career development of professional social scientists and researchers from a spectrum of countries and cultures.
Recent research has focused on arrestee drug abuse monitoring, improving drug testing technologies and self-report honesty, violence and transiency in drug using households, marijuana and blunt smokers, hard drug users and distributors, special populations including shelter residents and crack users/ sellers, and economics and violence in crack user/seller households. Secondary analysis of nationally representative data sets provides improved understandings of changing drug patterns among birth cohorts and drug eras.