Progression of dependence in male cocaine addicts

We studied the self-reported temporal sequence of cocaine-related problems in 45 male predominantly Black (85%), lower SES cocaine addicts undergoing inpatient treatment at a large urban VA psychiatric hospital. Subjects reported recent average use of 2.5 g of cocaine per day for 14 days each month and experiencing a mean of 14 cocaine-related problems. The temporal sequence of cocaine-related problems was roughly consistent with the sequence of alcohol-related problems reported for alcoholics, with the earliest problems being interpersonal (e.g., arguments with others) and the most recent problems the severest (e.g., job loss, marital separation). The cocaine addicts showed a faster progression from first cocaine use to first cocaine-related problems (mean of 3.75 years) than that reported for alcoholics from first drink to first heavy drinking (8-10 years). Cocaine smokers had a faster course (3.4 years) than intranasal users (5.3 years).