The 800-COCAINE helpline: survey of 500 callers

Five hundred cocaine users who called the 800-COCAINE helpline received an extensive telephone interview to assess the nature, extent and consequences of their self-reported cocaine use. The data revealed a high incidence of dysfunctional cocaine use associated with numerous physical, psychological, and social problems. The typical caller was a white, middle-income male between 25 and 40 years old with no history of drug dependency or serious psychiatric problems. The findings are discussed with regard to the high abuse potential of cocaine and other factors that lead to problematic use and adverse effects.