Characteristics, crack use, housing situation and psychosocial problems of people in the open drug scene in cologne, Germany – results of a cross-sectional survey

Abstract Background Open drug scenes are characterized by public gatherings of people who use drugs (PWUD) for the purpose of drug consumption and trade, often related to poor health conditions as risk of overdose, a higher prevalence of infectious disease and social exclusion. This cross-sectional survey investigated the characteristics, substance use patterns, and support needs of PWUD within the open drug scene at Neumarkt in Cologne (ODSC) in Germany. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and June 2023 among PWUD frequenting the ODSC. A structured questionnaire, comprising sociodemographic information, substance use patterns, overdose history, and psychosocial support needs was used. Results A total of 119 participants were surveyed, with a majority identifying as male (79%) and an average age of 42 years. Heroin was the most frequently consumed substance (64.7%), followed by alcohol (56.3%) and crack/cocaine (21%). People who use crack (PWUC) were younger (mean age 36.6) and more likely to be homeless (56%) than respondents who are not using crack. The most mentioned support needs included housing (69.5%), bureaucratic assistance (60.2%), and health related support (51.7%). Conclusion The ODSC presents a complex risk environment where homelessness, limited access to healthcare due to lack of health insurance, and frequent substance use exacerbate health and social challenges. Expanding harm reduction services, including housing first initiatives, and low-threshold opioid substitution treatment access for individuals without health insurance, is crucial to address these issues.