Until recently little was known about the use and abuse of cocaine in Europe. This book presents the results of a comparative study on the nature and extent of cocaine use in Rotterdam, (The Netherlands), Barcelona (Spain) and Turin (Italy). The research shows that cocaine is an extraordinary drug. It is used by a wide range of people as far as age, socio-economic background and lifestyle are concerned. Men and women are attracted to cocaine for a wide variety of reasons. For one person cocaine can be an additional extra at a party. For another, use is purely instrumental e.g. to enhance work performance. The effect of cocaine, and wether the user experiences problems with the drug, depends largely on how it is used.

A coordinated approach of politicians, policy planners and social scientists is needed for the efficient management of problems linked to cocaine. Research has become extremely complex and politically sensitive. No single group - researchers, policy planners or politicians - is competent to provide meaningful answers to the questions related to a phenomenon as complicated as cocaine use.

The study described in this book breaks new ground. It demonstrates a fresh approach to policy oriented research. It involves the coordination of multidisciplinary teams in the different research sites. The wealth of useful information presented in this book will significantly influence how people think about cocaine.