NCJ Number
131857
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1991) Pages: 617-633
Date Published
1991
Length
17 pages
Annotation
To better understand the causes and consequences of cocaine use for addicts currently in methadone treatment, 207 current cocaine users were compared with 78 currently free cocaine patients in New York City between September 1987 and May 1988.
Abstract
The subjects participated in a 90-minute personal interview and provided a urine specimen on the day of the interview for measure of drug use. Composite psychological measures were constructed on the basis of factor analysis of fixed response items on the interviews. The majority of both the current cocaine users and cocaine-free patients reported long histories of cocaine use prior to admission to the program as well as during entry into the program. Upon admission, the majority either decreased or ceased cocaine use within several months, whereas about one-fourth increased use. Pleasure, stimulation, stress relief, and self medication for depression were identified as important precipitants of cocaine use. In contrast to other studies, this study demonstrated the negative attitudes of the majority of cocaine users toward cocaine and showed their realization of a need for help. Recommendations for improved services for cocaine abusing patients deal with pharmacotherapies for depression, psychotherapy, day treatment with health and vocational components, and short-term residential methadone treatment. (Author abstract modified)