[Consequences of cocaine use among prostitutes]

To describe the circumstances and consequences of cocaine use in the setting of prostitution.

We performed a qualitative study with fieldwork in 6 Spanish cities. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to 60 persons aged between 18 and 50 years old involved in prostitution in different settings: street, flat and brothel.

The main substances used in prostitution were alcohol and cocaine. Consumption was occasional and instrumental and helped to reduce psychological barriers or inhibition and increase tolerance to long hours of sex work with different clients, thus increasing earnings. Cocaine use was also associated with providing clients with company without having to perform sexual services. Among the consequences of drug use in prostitutes were unprotected sex and a higher risk of violence by clients. Prostitutes developed harm reduction strategies for drug use: dose reduction, simulated drug use, and selection of clients who were users.

This study shows that there is connection between drug use and the provision of sexual services. Drug use can pose a health risk as consumption is associated with unprotected sex.