Cocaine Careers, Control and Consequences: Results from a Canadian Study

Abstract

In this second and most recent community study of cocaine users in Toronto, experience with cocaine and related impacts on health, work, social relationships and criminality were examined in a sample of 100 users. For most respondents, use of cocaine and even crack was best described as an infrequent and self-limiting behaviour. Adverse consequences did occur and were explained by intensity of cocaine involvement rather than personal characteristics of users. Involvement in criminal activity was low and, other than drug selling, very few illegal activities were undertaken in order to obtain cocaine. Informal controls rather than legal threats constrained both drug use and criminal behaviour. The perceptions and experiences of users can help to shape a more rational drug policy which would aim to reduce the actual harm they do to themselves and the community.

Key Words:

• Cocaine
• crack
• controlled use
• crime
• harm reduction