Longitudinal Outcomes Among a Cohort of Crack Users After 12 Years from Treatment Discharge

ABSTRACT

Follow-ups of crack consumption are scarce in literature. The aim of this article was to investigate the evolution of a cohort of crack users and identify longitudinal outcomes. For the study, 131 consecutive crack users who were admitted to treatment (1992–1994) were interviewed. After 12 years, 107 participants were assessed. Among them, 43 were abstainers, 22 were crack users, 13 had been arrested, 2 were missing, and 27 were dead. The study showed dynamic changes of crack use patterns over time and a high involvement in illegal activities (p = 0.00) among drug users. Discontinuation of care and stigmatization of crack users has been discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Crack addiction
• longitudinal outcomes
• treatment
• health policies

Acknowledgments

Authors would like to thank study participants. Special appreciation is given to Silvana Julião–Taipas General Hospital occupational therapist.

This research was supported by grant 04/13804-1 from The State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) and The Federal Research Funding Agency (CAPES).