Crack Cocaine Use and Mortality Risk: A Follow-Up Study on 178 Individuals in Drug Treatment for Crack Cocaine Problems

Abstract

Background: In Europe, crack cocaine use is mainly observed in vulnerable and marginalized groups, many of whom have other substance use problems, including heroin-related problems. Objectives: To examine mortality risk and causes of death in a cohort of crack users.Methods: We performed a follow-up study to assess mortality in a cohort of patients who entered drug treatment for crack cocaine problems in the metropolitan area of Bologna (Northern Italy) from 1992 to 2020.Results: Most of participants were polydrug users, 75% reported concomitant heroin, 55% cocaine and 24% alcohol use; 43% have injected a substance. Mortality was six times higher than in the general population, and overdose and infectious diseases were among the leading causes of death.Conclusions: Longitudinal epidemiological studies are needed to systematically assess the health outcomes of crack cocaine use.