The Street Value of Prescription Drugs

Background: Although most physicians are aware of the potential for abuse and resale of prescribed medications, little has been done to document it. The purpose of this study was to determine which prescription drugs have street value, what that value is and why these drugs are used.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey using a semistructured interview technique was carried out on 2 weekdays (Mar. 10 and Apr. 1, 1997) in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. A total of 58 users and dealers of prescription sedative/hypnotic and narcotic drugs were approached. Information collected included the demographic characteristics of those interviewed, the common street names of the drugs of interest, and their value and method of use.

Results: Thirty-two people agreed to participate in the study (participation rate 55%), 7 of whom were dealers. The range in price of sedative/hypnotic drugs was $0.10 to $2. For narcotic drugs the range was much greater, at $0.25 to $75. Descriptive analysis identified the minimum and maximum price and the mode of each preparation. Among the weak narcotic drugs the index drug (highest in demand on the street) was Tylenol No. 3 and among the more potent narcotics, MS Contin 30 mg.

Interpretation: A wide variety of prescription sedative/hypnotic and narcotic drugs are available on the street. The mark-up from pharmacy cost can be considerable. Factors influencing pricing include the relative inexperience of the buyer, the availability of illicit narcotics, the current street supply of prescription medications and the time of the month (before or after issue of social assistance cheques).