[Clinical and public health challenges of crack consumption].

Crack, the freebase form of cocaine, offers faster and more intense psychoactive effects due to its mode of administration by inhalation, while being of lower cost. These molecules act by blocking the reuptake of monoaminergic neurotransmitters, and their main effects stem from the rapid adrenergic response. The psychoactive effect is characterized by a marked surge of energy and social disinhibition. Crack consumption exacerbates the vulnerabilities of marginalized populations, requiring new approaches to address the social and health crises it generates. Since November 2024, a mobile team from HUG has deployed a street-based medical intervention, associated with intersectoral network work for a holistic and inclusive care approach.