Characteristics and trajectories of individuals seeking treatment for cocaine addiction in Switzerland

The use of cocaine, including crack cocaine, and its associated health consequences have raised significant public health concerns globally. Over the past decade, there has been an observed increase in demand for cocaine-related treatment in Europe (Antoine et al. 2021). Recently, open scenes in cities across Europe have brought attention to the issue and placed it on the political agenda, including in Switzerland (Egli Anthonioz & Zobel 2023). Against this background, the paper analyses the characteristics and trajectories of individuals seeking treatment for cocaine addiction in Switzerland. The data is drawn from act-info, the monitoring system of treatment demand in Switzerland, which gathers information on people entering outpatient and inpatient treatment services for addiction problems (Krizic et al. 2023). The study utilises extensive data on the treatment background (including past treatments), socio-demographic characteristics, substance use patterns, and health status conditions. By focusing specifically on individuals seeking treatment for cocaine addiction, the paper aims to elucidate the profile of this population within the Swiss context. Moreover, it sheds light on the treatment trajectories, pre-existing addiction issues prior to cocaine use, and the consequences of cocaine consumption on patients who are enrolled in substitution therapy (OAT). By exploring these aspects, the paper enhances our comprehension of the demographics, usage patterns, and related health conditions among this population. It furthermore discusses policy implications for addressing the challenges posed by cocaine addiction in Switzerland.