The Downtown Eastside Demographic Study of Single Room Occupancy (SRO) and Social Housing Tenants, was completed in July 2008 by the City of Vancouver to examine many aspects and demographics of DTES residents. Included in this was the issue of drug use, which provided a look into the reach of drug addiction in the area.
Over half of the respondents, 57 percent said they were drug users including 28 percent who responded they were regular users.
Respondents were asked to identify the type of drugs they use and to estimate the cost of their substance use.
Of those who responded they were active drug users: 51 percent said they use marijuana, 35 percent said they use crack, 13 percent reported using cocaine, 10 percent reported using heroin, and four percent responded they were crystal methamphetamine users. Some respondents did report that they use more than one drug.
In terms of the total cost of their habits: the estimated average cost was $30 per day. Eleven percent estimated their drug addiction use to be more than $100 per day. $20 per day was spent by 45 percent of respondents, 34 percent of respondents said they spent $5 to $19 per day on drug use, while 22 percent of respondents spent less than $5 per day.
For respondents who identified as active drug users, over half- 57 percent- said they began their drug use at age 16 or younger and 73 percent reported alcohol abuse beginning at age 16 or younger.
