Cocaine-Profiles, Drug Histories, and Patterns of Use of Patients from Brazil

Abstract

We studied profiles and drug histories of 294 cocaine users from 15 treatment services in São Paulo, Brazil during 1996-1997. Mean age of subjects was 27 years, and 90% were male. Over 50% had used five different substances apart from cocaine, usually tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, tranquilizers, and solvents. Mean age at first cocaine use was 18.9 years by which time 87% had snorted the drug. Thirty-two percent had injected cocaine, 82% had smoked crack, and 74% reported a full route transition. Sixty-three percent reported daily cocaine use. Median duration of cocaine use was 6.3 years. Acts of acquisitive crime were common, and 56% had been arrested. Our finding are discussed in terms of implications for prevention and treatment.

Key Words:

• Cocaine
• Crack cocaine
• Client profiles
• Use patterns
• Brazil