The Growing Cocaine Consumption Problem in Rome
In Rome, the consumption of cocaine is on the rise, especially among young people. Escaping from this addiction can be a complex journey. Interestingly, there has been a decrease in the number of people using narcotics through injection. These insights are drawn from the latest available data in the Report on Addiction Trends in Lazio for the year 2023, compiled by the Dep (Department of Epidemiology of the regional health service). These statistics are based on individuals receiving treatment at public addiction services and accredited social private facilities in Rome and the entire region.
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Dr. Antonella Camposeragna from the Dep sheds light on the data interpretation. She is part of the expert team that authored the report. “We observe a rise in cocaine use, which is a concerning issue because, while opioid addiction can be managed with substitute medications like methadone, the same is not currently possible for cocaine. Therefore, the treatment path is more intricate. As for cannabis, the cases are fewer in number, mostly consisting of individuals entering treatment involuntarily, breaking drug laws. Furthermore, due to harm reduction services active in the region, there are fewer individuals resorting to injectable substances, which is a positive development.” Drug users who inject substances are at a higher risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis C.
“Unlike opioid addiction, cocaine addiction cannot be treated with substitute medications currently, making the path more complex.” – Dr. Antonella Camposeragna, Epidemiology Department of Lazio
Substance Use Disorder in Rome: A Comprehensive Overview
In 2023, Rome recorded 1,411 new patients in treatment for substance use disorder. The male demographic dominates with 1,235 males and 176 females. Overall, including new cases, existing patients, or those returning for treatment, there are 7,014 patients in the Capital, comprising 6,010 men and 1,004 women. Cocaine addiction holds the highest percentage at 38.50%, followed by cannabis at 27.10% and opioids at 12%. Statistics for psychotropic drugs (1%) and hallucinogens (0.10%) are significantly lower. Regarding consumption methods, over half of the cases (50.40%) involve smoking or inhaling drugs, while 22.50% sniff them, and only 4.10% use injectable routes.
The average age of individuals with substance use disorder is 34 years. The highest percentage lies in the 30-34 age group at 15.20%, followed by those under 20 years old at 15%. Among the 1,411 new patients, 539 are under 30, and 200 are over 50. The majority of patients are Italian at 73.70%, while foreigners account for 26.30%. Looking at educational qualifications, 47.30% of new patients have completed lower secondary education, 25.90% have finished high school, and only 5.8% are graduates or have a doctorate. Regarding employment status, 29.90% are employed, 25.30% are unemployed, and 9.80% are students. Most new patients are not married or cohabiting (62.10%), have a place of residence (80%, with only 10.80% homeless), and live with their family of origin (33.70%), partners, and/or children (25.10%), or alone (24.70%). As for treatment, the highest number of patients receiving care for substance dependence is in Asl Roma 2: 3090, followed by Asl 1 with 2976 and Asl 3 with 1055.
The Health Effects of Cocaine
According to the Dep experts in the addiction report, alcohol and drug consumption are major risk factors for disability and premature death. Besides impacting health significantly, substance abuse incurs substantial costs to the healthcare system. In relation to substance use, the data has highlighted an increase in the age group of new patients, indicating potential system vulnerabilities. The report states, “there may be a limited capacity of services to facilitate access for individuals, especially as there is a growing disparity between the average age of continuous substance use initiation and the average age of first treatment access over the years.” This delay in seeking treatment can have significant health consequences.
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Of particular concern, as noted by experts, is cocaine consumption, derived from leaves and transformed into various forms like cocaine hydrochloride, base, and crack. It can swiftly and potently reach the brain. The Department for Drug Policy of the Prime Minister’s Office explains, “the psychological effects of cocaine initially include vigilance, hyperactivity, emotional sensitivity, increased attention, a sense of well-being, and euphoria. This excited phase is followed by a ‘down’ phase characterized by fatigue, depression, decreased attention, and mood swings.”
The toxicity of cocaine involves multiple organs, posing significant risks to the cardiovascular system, such as tachycardia, hypertensive crises, coronary vasoconstriction, rhythm and conduction abnormalities, stroke, myocardial infarction, sudden death, myocarditis, endocarditis, and aortic dissection. Long-term effects include morphological and functional changes in the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and internal organs.
