The Social Organization of Crack Cocaine Use: The Cycle in One Type of Base House

Abstract

The focus of this article is on the distinctive features of the social organization of crack cocaine use in one type of setting. The activities of crack cocaine users can only be understood if one has knowledge of its social organization in specific settings. Extensive observation in four base houses and in-depth interviews with forty crack users who frequented houses were conducted in two metropolitan areas (Atlanta and New York City). Results show that base houses are a purposive setting in which a cycle of activities occurs. A typical cycle consists of six stages: getting together, getting ready, getting started, getting high, getting down, and getting out. The activities related to each stage have particular functions and are determined by a set of norms. The primary purpose of this article is to fill a gap in knowledge about the social organization of crack cocaine use in one type of setting.