NCJ Number
124472
Journal
Contemporary Drug Problems Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1990) Pages: 79-119
Date Published
1990
Length
41 pages
Annotation
Research data and case examples support the contention that, in addition to biological and social factors, psychosocial variables may play an important role in the development of crack addiction.
Abstract
Data were obtained for patients at a hospital's specialized crack unit in 1986. All crack-addicted patients were voluntary admissions; 92 percent of the sample was black. About 30 percent experienced crack-related loss of employment. Patterns of lateness, absenteeism, and falling asleep at work compelled employers to dismiss crack-using employees. Over half of the patients were daily users, while 21 percent used crack three to five times per week. Among daily users, most spent $100-$200 per day on crack. Patients frequently attempted to manage crack depression, dysphoria, and withdrawal from crack with marijuana, alcohol, and other drug use. About 19 percent of the patients were asked to leave their households, and 51 percent of this group became homeless. Among women with children, over one-third reported that the Bureau of Child Welfare had become involved in their children's lives as a result of the mother's crack use. Data reflected diversity and variation regarding the severity and extent of crack-related dysfunction or psychosocial deterioration attending compulsive crack use. Case examples illustrate characteristic deterioration in psychosocial functioning. The data and case examples suggest a biopsychosocial model of crack addiction. 30 references, 5 tables.