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Epidemic free-base cocaine abuse. Case study from the Bahamas
Lancet (London, England)
|March 1, 1986
Summary
A surge in cocaine abuse admissions in the Bahamas was linked to a shift from cocaine hydrochloride to highly addictive cocaine free base. This change triggered a significant public health crisis, marking the first reported nationwide epidemic primarily from free base cocaine.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- A notable increase in new admissions for cocaine abuse was observed in the Bahamas starting in 1983.
- This rise affected both the sole psychiatric hospital and the main outpatient psychiatric clinic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes behind the sharp increase in cocaine abuse admissions in the Bahamas.
- To identify the specific form of cocaine driving this public health crisis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of admission data from psychiatric facilities in the Bahamas between 1982 and 1984.
- Correlation of admission trends with changes in cocaine availability and form.
Main Results:
- New admissions for cocaine abuse rose from zero in 1982 to 69 in 1983 and 523 in 1984.
- A primary driver identified was the switch by drug pushers to selling cocaine free base, known for its high addictive potential, over cocaine hydrochloride.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate a public health epidemic in the Bahamas primarily caused by the widespread use of cocaine free base.
- This is the first reported nationwide medical epidemic attributed almost exclusively to cocaine free base, despite rising global use.
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