Sociodemographic and clinical profile of crack cocaine treatment-seeking individuals living in “Crackland”, Brazil

Author(s)

André Q. C. Miguel ; Viviane Simões ^[2] ; Rodolfo Yamauchi ^[3] ; Clarice S. Madruga ^[4] ; Claudio J. da Silva ^[5] ; Ronaldo R. Laranjeira ^[6] ; John M. Roll ; Crystal L. Smith ; Sterling M. McPherson ; Jair J. Mari ^[10]

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria; v. 71, n. 1, p. 50-55, 2022-02-21.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: São Paulo‘s Crackland is the biggest and oldest open drug use scene in Brazil, yet little is known about the profile of crack cocaine treatment-seeking individuals living in this region. The aim of this crossectional study was to describe the demographics and clinical characteristics of treatment-seeking crack users living in the Crackland region. Methods: A sample of nighty eight individuals were screened for DSM-V substance use disorders, including substance use, impulsiveness, and psychiatric symptoms. Recent crack cocaine use was also tested using biologic specimens. Results: Results indicated severe social vulnerability, as participants experienced high rates of homelessness (46.9%), unstable housing (50%), unemployment (60.4%) and early school drop-out (27.5%). The average age of crack use onset was 20 years (SD = 6.9) and the mean duration of continuous crack use was 15 years (SD = 9.7). Most participants presented with concomitant mental health disorders, particularly alcohol use disorder (87.8%), as well high rates of psychiatric symptomatology and impulsiveness. More than half of the sample reported at least one previous inpatient (73.5%) and outpatient (65.3%) addiction treatment attempt. Conclusion: This population profile should inform mental healthcare services, promoting the provision of tailored assistance by targeting specific demands at all levels of treatment. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/05371-8 - Effectiveness of Contingency Management in the treatment of crack addiction for crack users living in the "Crackland" region. A Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial.
• Grantee: André de Queiroz Constantino Miguel
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/22004-9 - BEPE/FAPESP international training for the project effectiveness of contingency management in the treatment of crack addiction for individuals living in the Crackland region: a crossover randomized clinical trial
• Grantee: André de Queiroz Constantino Miguel
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor