Crack Cocaine Users Seeking Treatment in Brasília

ABSTRACT Aiming to identify the profile of outpatients seeking treatment for crack cocaine-related problems in Brasília, 132 clients receiving psychological services completed the Profile of Crack Consumption Questionnaire and the Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief. Most participants were male (83.6%), single (38.8%), and housed (100%). First use was motivated predominantly by curiosity (65.9%), peer influence (58.3%), and easy access (50.8%). Most (65.2%) reported polysubstance use. The longest period of abstinence attained was four years (1.5%), and most (46.2%) reported less than 30 days of abstinence. The stereotypes of extreme social vulnerability of crack users and high lethal and addiction potential of the crack were challenged by this study. Efforts are needed to better serve those missed by the treatment system.