[Increase in the search for treatment by crack users in 2 outpatient clinics at the city of Sao Paulo from 1990 to 1993]. / Aumento da procura de tratamento por usuários de crack em dois ambulatórios na cidade de São Paulo, nos anos de 1990 a 1993.

UNLABELLED: An increase in crack use epidemiological research and police data. Currently, in Brazil, no data are available linking the route of administration and attendance to treatment for cocaine dependence. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper was to analyze the changes in cocaine routes of administration in a cocaine dependent population treatment in two outpatient public services (PROAD and UDED). METHOD: Standardized interview data, collected at admission to treatment were compared from 1990 to 1993. The prevalence rates of smoked ("crack"), injected and snorted cocaine were compared. RESULTS: The percentage of patients who reported "crack" cocaine use increased from 17% in 1990 to 64% in 1993 (p < 0.01) The prevalence of snorted cocaine remained stable in the period of time analyzed, being the most frequent route reported. The intravenous route tended to decrease from 40% in 1990 to 28% in 1993. CONCLUSION: The implications of the increase of "crack" cocaine users who sought treatment are discussed. These data are important in planning prevention and treatment strategies, mainly in AIDS prevention.