Bitter sweet. The leap towards cocaine

Author 1: David Pere Martínez Oró

Master in Social Psychology

Social Research

Theme.

TRENDS AND PATTERNS IN DRUG USE

DRUG USING LIFESTYLES

Contact details: David Pere Martínez Oró Postal Address: C/Enric Granados 116 2-1 08008 Barcelona Spain Fax: 933683453 Email: david@dpmo.cat

Abstract.

Objectives.

Main Objective: To determine with greater depth and accuracy mechanisms, reasons, motivation and practices that have led cocaine,for many illegal drug users, to replace other drugs , thereby making it the main drug consumed among all illegal drugs

Methodology

The methodological approach used is qualitative methodology based on the techniques of discussion groups (Ibáñez, 1986; Ortí 1986, Alonso, 1998). That is to say, gatherings of 7 or 8 people, with more or less similar characteristics, who speak freely for approximately two hours about a topic that the group develop, under the coordination of a facilitator. (Conde, 2002).

The discussion groups were analyzed with the help of qualitative analysis software Atlas-ti 5.2. following the model of segmentation, simplification, categorisation and codification. To find the results and conclusions of the research conducted, a discourse analysis was carried out on the body of the text which appeared .

Significant results.

Cocaine users prefer this to other stimulant drugs such as MDMA or speed, for several reasons. The most important are:

Cocaine does not alter food consumption or sleep. It allows users to eat and sleep to a greater extent than other stimulants. This means that the lows are less intense, allowing users to perform other activities, suggesting that the consumption of cocaine is compatible with family relationships, work and social commitments. This implies that there is a low risk of difficult situations arising since the consumer is socially- standardized. Only when the use is very heavy is any alarm raised in the users’ social circle.

Many users talk about a love-hate relationship with cocaine, since the pleasurable effects of it have allowed them to experience enjoyable moments and situations, which are full of strong emotions and good memories. However, all of them have experienced unwanted effects produced by cocaine consumption, such as spending beyond their means, anxiety and psychotic effects, among others. Nevertheless, these situations do not have lasting negative consequences unless there are severe problems. But it is, by and large, social responsibilities (getting married, having children, working ...) which make users give up their consumption, or at least lead them to use cocaine only on special occasions .So, we find that young people are taking on the role of parents and continuing to consume cocaine.

Conclusions

One of the biggest risks in the consumption of cocaine is the lack of negative effects in the short term. As a result of having few severe post-consumption effects, users consider that they are at a low risk because they can continue their normal life. This situation suggests a typical social belief which underestimates the risks that are run when taking the drug.

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