NCJ Number
130577
Date Published
1991
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This General Accounting Office study obtained information on the health consequences of the crack epidemic and the types of treatment available for crack addicts.
Abstract
Site visits and interviews with drug and alcohol association officials, local health officials, hospital staff, physicians, and leading researchers and treatment practitioners in 13 States provide information on the characteristics associated with the crack epidemic and the physical and mental health problems of crack users. Interviews with officials at 20 drug treatment centers provided data on the treatment of crack addiction. A recent study found drug users are approximately six times more likely to suffer a drug-related stroke that may result in death or lifetime disability. Cocaine abusers have also been found to have high rates of mental disorders. Health professionals have also associated crack use with the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Infants born to drug-using women are more likely to have medical complications and longer hospital stays after delivery and may suffer from long-term developmental delays. No state-of-the-art treatment method for crack abusers exists. Researchers are using two approaches to treatment: pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic or drug-free treatment. Several relapse-prevention strategies are under study that may help addicts who have undergone treatment to resist returning to drug use. 8 figures and appended supplementary information