Comprehensive narrative review of the effectiveness of secondary prevention and treatment interventions for crack use in English-language jurisdictions

The purpose of this project was to identify, review and summarize existing English-language literature on studies of the effectiveness of secondary prevention strategies for crack use and crack-related harms, as well as treatment interventions for crack and cocaine dependence. A comprehensive narrative review was produced for the Brazilian Ministry of Health & the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), which outlined and evaluated secondary prevention interventions for crack use and crack-related harms, including blood-borne virus (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis C) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, Safer Inhalation Facilities (SIF), and Safer Crack Use Paraphernalia (SCUP) distribution programs; and treatment interventions for crack/cocaine dependence, including psychosocial, adjunct, gender-specific, and pharmacotherapeutic treatments.

Funding:

Brazilian Federal Ministry of Health; the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO); Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR). 

Resources:

Fischer, B., Tiesmaki, M., Rudzinski, K., Lusted, A., and Rehm, J. (2012). Effectiveness of secondary prevention and treatment interventions for crack use in English-language jurisdictions: a comprehensive narrative review. Brazilian Ministry of Health & the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO): Brasilia, Brazil.

2012