Documented crack use emerged in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from 1991 onward. T
herefore, it is a recent behavior among drug users. The present work d
raws a profile of Sao Paulo crack users, employing an ethnographic app
roach. Twenty-five crack users were interviewed on selected social and
demographic characteristics, on the drug itself and its consumption,
and on the consequences of this use. Crack cocaine is harmful for the
user, leading within a short period to a condition of dependence. The
crack users reported ultimately lapsing into ''marginality'' due to so
cial isolation, neglect of bodily needs, and breakdown of family ties
and other relationships.