This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the patterns of crack cocaine use among active users over the past six months and abstinence (or not) at the time of the interviews. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a convenience sample of 495 crack users aged 14 to 54 years. Prevalence ratios of the variable abstinent for at least 12 weeks were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance according to the patterns of use, adjusting for sex, age, education, time since first contact trying crack cocaine, and treatments and hospitalization associated with crack use. There was an association between regular and heavy use and cessation of drug use (PR 1.06 [95% CI: 1.01 to 1.12] p = 0.019). This finding expands the range of particularities regarding the use of crack and reinforces the need for investments in crack cocaine addiction treatments for all use patterns.
Abstinence; Crack cocaine; Street drugs; Substance-related disorders
