Citation

Vivancos R, Maskrey V, Rumball D, Harvey I, Holland R. J. Public Health (Oxford) 2006; 28(2): 96-103.

Affiliation

School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/pubmed/fdl010

PMID

16648147

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. Learning from ex-users was perceived as an important component of treatment.

Language: en