The Needs of Crack-cocaine Users: lessons to be learnt from a study into the needs of crack-cocaine users

摘要

This article examines the findings that emerged from a study into the needs of crack-cocaine users in two inner city areas of northern England. The findings are contextualized within a review of current research around street use of crack cocaine. The authors argue that the local research indicates that current government policies militate against services being able to provide a comprehensive and flexible response to meeting the needs of crack-cocaine users, by putting an emphasis on criminalizing and medicalizing the problem. The ensuing service developments undoubtedly net some crack-cocaine users and address their unmet need, but the authors argue they fall short of addressing the underlying causes of problematic crack-cocaine use. Not only do they fall short but they also mask recognition of the underlying causes-namely the experience of multiple social deprivation.