Caracterização da cultura de crack na cidade de São Paulo: padrão de uso controlado

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To characterize the situation regarding crack cocaine use in the city of São Paulo, along with the sociodemographic profi le of its users. METHODOLOGICAL PROCEDURES:Qualitative ethnographic study carried out with an intentional sample of crack cocaine users (n=45) and former users (n=17). The participants were recruited by means of the chain sampling method and they underwent a semi-structured interview guided by a questionnaire, in 2004 and 2005. The combination of each question and its respective responses gave rise to specifi c reports that were interpreted individually. ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS:The predominating profi le of the crack cocaine users was that they were single young men of low socioeconomic class and low schooling level, without formal employment ties. The pattern of use most frequently cited was compulsive, characterized by multiple drug use and carrying out illegal activities in exchange for crack cocaine or money. However, controlled use was also identifi ed. This consisted of non-daily use of crack cocaine mediated by individual factors that were developed intuitively by the user. Controlled use was similar in nature to the strategies adopted by former users to achieve a state of abstinence. CONCLUSIONS:The culture of crack cocaine use has undergone changes regarding the pattern of use. Although most users do so compulsively, the existence of controlled use was observed. This deserves to be investigated in more detail, particularly with regard to the strategies adopted to attain this.

Usuários de crack atendidos em unidade de emergência psiquiátrica: perfil de uma série de casos Crack users treated in psychiatric emergency units: profile of a series of cases

“…[2][3][4] Among the social damages, school drop-out and failure, job loss, exposure to violence forms and family conflicts are often found in the social context of crack users. [5][6] Furthermore, the lack of specific health services to meet this population has overburdened the health system and pointed out flaws in the quality and effectiveness of care network to such users. Currently, there is a deficiency in the dialogue established between hospital services for emergency care to these users and other services of the health care network, which denotes the need to improve regular and targeted actions to enhance the communication among the network services.…”

Vitimização por homicídios segundo características de raça no Brasil

“…1 Illicit drugs are also associated with the risk of homicide, which is the most common cause of death among dependent users of crack (an impure form of cocaine); these are usually men and youths with little education. Although age 21,23 20 Low-income young men in urban areas experience higher rates of homicide in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. 16,28 Anthropological studies emphasize the roles of culture, values, social norms and symbols as elements for understanding this problem.…”

Perfil de usuários de crack no município de Santos

“…O início do uso de drogas se deu principalmente com álcool e maconha e os usuários foram ou ainda são consumidores dessas e de outras substâncias. No presente estudo, apenas 15,8% consumiam exclusivamente crack, os demais eram poliusuários, o que torna o tratamento e a adesão mais difíceis e complexos, além de poder retardar a recuperação e a reinserção social do usuário (Oliveira & Nappo, 2008b).…”