OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether a relationship exists between the intensity and frequency of crack consumption and the economic level of the drug addicts, and verify if there is a relationship between economic class and frequency and intensity of crack consumption in adult men during a psychiatric hospitalization. METHOD: This is quantitative study. Instruments: structured interview, Brazil Economic Classification Criteria and Mini Mental State Examination. Statistical analysis: descriptive and inferential analysis (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test - significance level of 5%). RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty one participants were divided into two groups: (1) Higher socioeconomic status group (classes A and B) and (2) lower socioeconomic status group (Classes C, D and E). There was no significant difference (p = 0.893 - Mann-Whitney) between the groups regarding the intensity and frequency of crack use. There was also no significantly relationship (p = 0.549 - Kruskal-Wallis) between economic class (A, B, C, D and E) and frequency and intensity of crack use. CONCLUSION: The crack-dependent higher and lower buying power did not differ significantly with respect to intensity and frequency of drug use. There was no relationship between socioeconomic status and frequency and intensity of crack use in this sample.
Crack cocaine; substance-related disorders; drug users; social class
