Crack na cidade de São Paulo: acessibilidade, estratégias de mercado e formas de uso

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, survey data have pointed to an increase in crack cocaine lifetime use, possibly due to changes on its accessibility, market strategies and ways of use. OBJECTIVE: To identify such issues in the crack cocaine culture of use, in São Paulo, according to the user point of view. METHODS: An intentional sample was selected, composed by crack users (n = 45) and former users (n = 17). Recruited through key-informants and chain sampling methods, each participant was submitted to an in-depth semi-structured interview. RESULTS: Nowadays, as reported by interviewees, it is quite simple to get crack cocaine, especially through new market strategies as crack cocaine delivery. Rocks have been replaced by "crack powder", the cheapest and easily "changeable" crack cocaine. Although makeshift aluminum pipes are the commonest way of use, others have been identified, among them, "shotgun" and the combined use with tobacco or marijuana. DISCUSSION: Although preliminary in nature, this study points that crack cocaine quality, market strategies and ways of use have changed, implying in potential heath risks to users suggesting its utilization to the health public policies and intervention methods updating.