Social, health and drug use characteristics of primary crack users in three mid-sized communities in British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

Aims: Despite the increased prevalence of crack use, research on street drug use in Canada currently focusses mainly on injection drug use and/or use in large urban centres. This study's objective was to assess the distinct socio-demographic characteristics, drug-use patterns, health profiles and risk behaviours as well as intervention needs of primary crack users in three mid-sized communities in British Columbia, Canada.

Methods: Study participants were recruited with the help of local service agencies and peer recruiters, and assessed between July and November 2008 based on a protocol involving quantitative, qualitative and biological measures.

Findings: The majority of the samples: reported unstable housing/homelessness; relied on social benefit payments for income generation; were under current criminal justice supervision; were poly-drug users, using other drugs like alcohol, cannabis or opioids; reported physical and mental health problems; were hepatitis C virus positive; had numerous crack-use episodes per day; frequently shared crack-use paraphernalia; and obtained crack pipe paraphernalia from makeshift items.

Conclusions: This study documents crack use as a prevalent street drug use activity associated with extensive social and health risks and harms, which currently are not sufficiently addressed by the existing interventions in the study sites. Concerted attention to, and delivery of, targeted prevention and treatment interventions for the public health problem of crack use in Canada is urgently required.