Crack/cocaine use in a rural county of England

Journal of Public Health
Roberto VivancosRichard Holland

Abstract

Crack/cocaine use is an increasing problem in the UK. This study is the first to ascertain the magnitude of the crack/cocaine problem in a rural county of the UK and to determine users' needs for treatment services. A questionnaire on drug dependence and risk behaviour was completed by 306 users of drug treatment services, and focus groups were conducted with 45 self-selected crack/cocaine users. It is estimated that 31% (95% C.I., 26% to 37%) of drug users in treatment services have moderate/severe dependence on crack/cocaine. Factors associated with severe crack/cocaine dependence are severe dependence on benzodiazepines, increasing number of drugs used, engaging in sex work and non-white ethnicity. Those with severe dependence have a higher prevalence of hepatitis B and C compared with those with moderate or no dependence. All focus group participants describe a frenzied drug life so when entering treatment they require additional support to give structure to their lives to prevent relapse. Current service provision appears not to provide help to crack/cocaine users. Given the lack of pharmacological treatment, programmes should incorporate a wide range of activities and interventions to provide structure to clients' lives. ...Continue Reading

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Citations

May 24, 2008·Drug and Alcohol Dependence·Russel S FalckRobert G Carlson
Jun 13, 2015·The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology·Edson Kruger BatistaEster Miyuki Nakamura-Palacios
Jul 25, 2007·Addiction·Russel S FalckRobert G Carlson
Jul 4, 2008·International Journal of STD & AIDS·R VivancosP R Hunter
Jul 3, 2010·The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners·Jane LitchfieldJenny Keen

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