An increase in crack use has been detected in epidemiological research and police data. Currently, in Brazil, no data are available linking the route of administration and attendance to treatment for cocaine dependence OBJECTIVE - The purpose of this paper was to analyze the changes in cocaine routes of administration in a cocaine dependent population treated in two outpatient public services (PROAD and UDED). METHOD - Standardized interview data, collected at admission to treatment were compared from 1990 to 1993. The prevalence rates of smoked ("crack"), injected and snorted cocaine were compared. RESULTS - The percentage of patients who reported "crack" cocaine use increased from 17% in 1990 to 64% in 1993 (p<0.01) The prevalence of snorted cocaine remained stable in the period of time analyzed, being the most frequent route reported. The intravenous route tended to decrease from 40% in 1990 to 28% in 1993. CONCLUSION - The implications of the increase of "crack" cocaine users who sought treatment are discussed. These data are important in planning prevention and treatment strategies, mainly in AIDS prevention.
