Cocaine Use and Help-Seeking among Methadone Patients

Abstract

To better understand the causes of cocaine abuse among methadone patients, the research compared 207 current cocaine users with 78 currently cocaine-free patients. A majority of both samples were using cocaine at the time of program admission. Although most users ceased or decreased cocaine use after entry, for some this respite was only temporary. Pleasure, stimulation, stress relief and self-medication for depression were the main factors precipitating cocaine use. Most of the current cocaine users held distinctly negative attitudes toward cocaine and were seeking help for their problem. The study makes several recommendations for improved services for cocaine-abusing patients.