The primary aim of the research was to explore crack cocaine use experiences in the Ballymun community with a view to informing the establishment of a local policy and practice/intervention evidence base for crack cocaine in Ballymun.

The key objectives of this research were:

• To identify patterns of crack cocaine use in Ballymun.
• To examine motivations for current crack cocaine use.
• To explore the impact of crack cocaine use on individuals using crack.
• To ascertain health risks associated with crack cocaine use.
• To explore the impact of crack cocaine use on families and the wider community.
• To document current responses to crack cocaine use in the Ballymun area.

This section of the report has provided a policy context, a profile of Ballymun and a background to the research including the research aim and objectives. The following section of the report presents a review of the literature related to crack cocaine. The review of literature considers crack cocaine prevalence and treatment data; polydrug use; local drug markets; the impacts and consequences of crack cocaine use on the individual, family and the community; and interventions and responses to crack cocaine use. This is followed by an overview of the research methodology. Sections four to nine present the research findings and section 10 presents a discussion of the findings. The final section outlines the conclusions and recommendations arising from the research.