Cocaine hydrochloride and crack cocaine: a comparison of cocaine-use groups without intravenous cocaine use and without opiate use

Aim: Substance use, severity of cocaine dependence and health problems were compared between different cocaine-use groups. Methods: Analysis of a sub-sample of 652 cocaine users from nine European cities, who had been recruited for the European research project, "CocainEU". Data were collected using the Maudsley Addiction Profile (MAP) and the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS). Results: Those using only cocaine hydrochloride (87%) had a lower frequency of cocaine use, fewer symptoms of cocaine dependence and fewer emotional problems compared to the two groups who used crack cocaine. Multiple substance use was lowest among those who used only crack cocaine (6%). Those using both forms of cocaine had more symptoms of anxiety, whereas those using only crack had more depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Different concomitant and subsequent consequences occur, depending on the pattern and frequency of cocaine use. Therefore, treatment planning requires a detailed analysis of the individual stages of use.