Drugnet: A Pilot Study of Adult Recreational Drug Use via the WWW.

This study was intended (1) to explore the potential of using the World Wide Web (WWW) of the Internet to sample hidden populations and (2) to collect exploratory data on the hidden population of nonabusive, recreational users of illicit drugs. The survey modules were designed to assess demographics and lifestyle, drug experiences (including absence of DSM-IV criteria for abuse or dependence), legal history (drug-related arrests, etc.), and mental health as measured by the General Well-Being Schedule (GWBS). The survey was completed by 276 persons, aged 18 to 62, with a mean age of 32.34. The sample was predominantly white (93%), male (78%), college educated (75%), and employed full-time (76%). The WWW is a useful tool for reaching hidden populations but is likely to impose a bias toward male, better educated, and more computer-involved samples on the respondents reached. This survey further documents the existence of a nonclinical population of drug users which is generally healthy, well-adjusted, and productive.