Abstract
<p> Since 2000, crack has largely replaced powdered cocaine in Frankfurt, Hanover and Hamburg (Kemmesies 2004) and has also spread in other cities such as Berlin, Cologne and Düsseldorf. Reliable data on crack use in Germany is scarce. Consumption is linked to rapid health decline, personality changes and aggressive behaviour, which complicates counselling. While not all users lose control, the widespread combination with other substances is a major issue. Research focuses on why crack is both problematic and attractive, how it changes the drug scene and support services, and which medical or psychosocial treatments may help. <bold>With contributions by</bold> Lea Albrecht | Gabi Becker | Michael Harbaum | Susanne Kirbach | Maria Kuban | Astrid Leicht | Florian Meyer | Ingo Ilja Michels | Inge Mick | Manuela Mühlhausen | Thomas Peschel | Nina Pritszens | Martina Saddey | Lukas Sarvari | Dirk Schäffer | Raphael Schubert | Heino Stöver | Christine Tügel | Elke Voitl | Bernd Werse | Frank Woike </p>