Main mental disorders in crack-cocaine users treated at Psychosocial Care Centers for Alcohol and Drugs in the city of Recife, Brazil

Abstract Introduction: Brazil's Northeast region has the highest crack-cocaine consumption in the country. Crack-cocaine has more intense effects than cocaine powder and can cause greater chemical dependence. Psychosocial Care Centers for Alcohol and Drugs (CAPSad) are public health services that provide treatment for drug dependence. It is common for drug users, and particularly crack-cocaine users, to develop mental disorders. Objective: To evaluate the most common mental disorders in crack-cocaine dependents in treatment at CAPSad in the city of Recife, Brazil. Methods: The research database "Between rocks and shots: user profiles, consumption strategies, and social impact of crack cocaine" (CEP/CCS/UFPE no. 206/11) was consulted to establish the areas of crack cocaine consumption in the city of Recife. Results: There were 885 patients in treatment for crack-cocaine use, with a mean age of 29.8±9.4 years. The mean duration of drug use was 6.1±4.6 years. Most of the patients were males (80.3%), had left school at some point between the 1st and 9th grades (45.6%), were unemployed and/or seeking employment (52%) and used drugs daily (56.4%). Cocaine chemical dependence was more significant when correlated with use of crack-cocaine and other drugs such as medications and hallucinogens (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Data from this study showed strong associations between crack-cocaine uses and development of mental disorders, particularly when abuse of multiple substances occurs. Based on these data, there is a clear need for coordination of related public policies for support and social reintegration to provide these people with comprehensive care.