Upper-Income Cocaine Abusers

Abstract

Seventy upper-income cocaine users who called the 800-COCAINE helpline received an extensive telephone interview to assess the nature, extent, and consequences of their cocaine use. The data revealed a high incidence of dysfunctional cocaine use associated with numerous physical, psychological, and social problems. Comparison with an earlier study of middle-income cocaine users highlights the role of drug access as a contributor to intensified use patterns and drug-related consequences. Issues pertaining to treatment of the upper-income cocaine abuser are discussed.