Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the characteristics of the crack cocaine use scene, its surroundings and consequences. Method: this study was based on the Time-location Sampling methodology. Between January and June 2011, 41 crack use scenes were mapped in Florianópolis (Brazil). After randomly selecting the scenes to be observed, the days and shifts for in-depth observation were selected by lottery, for a total of 98 scenes/shifts, this atep was performed between December 2011 and March 2012. The observations were recorded in a field diary, and were examined using content analysis and discussed based on the Brazilian and international literature on the topic. Results: the results show that crack cocaine use scenes were more concentrated in the central regions of Florianópolis. Policing was very ostensive in the communities surrounding these areas, which are strongly marked by drug trafficking. Healthcare, prevention and authority actions were incipient in the locations of substance use, which shows the invisibility of crack users in society. Conclusions: more investments are needed so that public policies work to help drug users access social and healthcare services.
Highlights
Drug use is as old as mankind itself, whether for therapeutic, recreational or ritualistic purposes
In various scenarios, including cities in rural United States,[2] and in Brazil, crack cocaine has become available for a couple of dollars
In terms of physical and geographic characteristics, the crack cocaine use scenes were observed in the central regions of the Center and Continent Health Districts
Summary
Drug use is as old as mankind itself, whether for therapeutic, recreational or ritualistic purposes. The expansion of capitalism coupled with these substances’ illegality contributed to the growth of Brazilian and international drug trafficking, expanding commercial markets, and, despite attempts to deter it, drug use still grows.[1] In various scenarios, including cities in rural United States (especially in previous decades),[2] and in Brazil, crack cocaine has become available for a couple of dollars (or reais, in Brazilian currency). This market force, together with the particularities of the drug itself, with its almost immediate pleasurable effect after being smoked,[3] contribute to its dissemination and use
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