Drug users topped up supplies by using a lost credit card - spending £667.57 in three days.
When the cardholder checked his bank statement, he noticed that most cash withdrawals were at the same shop, city magistrates heard.
So he alerted police and an officer studied the shop's CCTV, then recognised David Evans as one of the people who used the card.
That led to a 22-week prison term for Evans, 29, of Larkdale Street, Radford. He admitted fraud by using the card and also the theft of £50 of perfume from an Ann Summers shop.
Sanjay Jerath, prosecuting, said a man lost his wallet which contained the bank card.
After the loss, the card was used 33 times between October 20 and 23. The total withdrawn amounted to £667.57, said Mr Jerath.
He told the court Evans has 74 entries on his criminal record, including 32 for dishonesty.
Mr Jerath added: "His criminal career spans a period of time with every disposal this court can offer."
Rory Macmillan, mitigating, told the court Evans only used the card twice, taking less than £100.
"It was being passed around acquaintances. Everyone was using it to get some money to buy drugs.
"He accepts he was one of those persons but is not responsible for acquiring the credit card," said Mr Macmillan.
Evans accepted he needed help from professionals to tackle a drugs problem.
Mr Macmillan added: "This is a major turning point. Hitherto he has always said he could do it on his own."
Evans was ordered to pay £100 compensation to the card holder for his "distress" as well as £50 to the lingerie shop.
Presiding magistrate Gavin Shelley sat with two colleagues and told Evans: "Your offending was very soon after being released from prison."
