Cocaine adulterated with opioids in the province of Buenos Aires: epidemiological analysis to think about a New Drug Policy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In February 2022 there was an outbreak of intoxication due to the consumption of cocaine adulterated with opioids in the province of Buenos Aires. The objective of this work was to describe the affected population, the actions carried out by the Buenos Aires Ministry of Health after detecting the problem, and to analyze the ways of approaching consumption regarding health care paradigms and within the framework of current regulation on the subject in Argentina. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study with a quantitative approach was carried out. It included all the people who presented symptoms compatible with intoxication due to the consumption of adulterated cocaine and who made consultations at health centers of the province of Buenos Aires in February 2022. RESULTS: A total of 124 cases were reported within an age range of 18 to 57 years, of which 84.5% were reported as legal males; 66% required hospitalization, and 19 people died. Laboratory results confirmed that the substance consumed was cocaine adulterated with carfentanil. DISCUSSION: The identification of opioids is a novel phenomenon in the region, which leads to question the current regulatory frameworks and approach paradigms, to overcome the visions that reduce the problem to the aspects inherent to individuals and their behaviors regarding consumption of psychoactive substances.