Regular crack smokers were recruited through community-based efforts between June and August 2010, and assessed via an interviewer-administered protocol involving quantitative and qualitative data items. Descriptive analyses were completed with the quantitative data, and thematic content analyses were conducted with the qualitative data in order to identify and extract prominent themes and issues.
The sample indicated high levels of socio-economic marginalization, poly-substance use, health problems, lengthy crack use histories and common crack paraphernalia sharing. Most participants exclusively utilized the SCUK programme including glass-stems in addition to other paraphernalia materials. Participants described: lesser need to share--or to commit property crimes to obtain resources for--crack to paraphernalia, increased health awareness, and increased personal and community safety as benefits experienced from SCUK use. Limitations in SCUK resources and distribution, shortcomings in materials, and police interference were cited as barriers to current SCUK program delivery.
SCUK distribution in Victoria appears to result in a variety of individual and community health benefits. These benefits could be solidified by addressing current programme limitations, including better resourcing, expanding geographic distributions and eliminating police interference.
July 2011
International Journal of Drug Policy 22(4):292-300