[Increase in the search for treatment by crack users in 2 outpatient clinics at the city of Sao Paulo from 1990 to 1993].
An increase in crack use epidemiological research and police data. Currently, in Brazil, no data are available linking the route of administration and attendance to treatment for cocaine dependence.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this paper was to analyze the changes in cocaine routes of administration in a cocaine dependent population treatment in two outpatient public services (PROAD and UDED).


METHODS
Standardized interview data, collected at admission to treatment were compared from 1990 to 1993. The prevalence rates of smoked ("crack"), injected and snorted cocaine were compared.


RESULTS
The percentage of patients who reported "crack" cocaine use increased from 17% in 1990 to 64% in 1993 (p < 0.01) The prevalence of snorted cocaine remained stable in the period of time analyzed, being the most frequent route reported. The intravenous route tended to decrease from 40% in 1990 to 28% in 1993.


CONCLUSIONS
The implications of the increase of "crack" cocaine users who sought treatment are discussed. These data are important in planning prevention and treatment strategies, mainly in AIDS prevention.
Ferri
C P
CP
Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina.
Laranjeira
R R
RR
da Silveira
D A
DA
Dunn
J
J
Formigoni
M L
ML
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016578:Crack Cocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015995:Prevalence
D016578:Crack Cocaine