The city of Salvador has been described by some as being in the midst of a crack "epidemic". With the introduction of crack into the city in 1997 drug consumption patterns have changed as many have now started using the drug. Parts of the historical centre of the city have now become known as "crack-land", reflecting the fact that this is where crack users and crack traffickers congregate.

Many street children and youth from low-income backgrounds finance their drug habit through begging or petty crime. This has led to harsh policing and the detention of these adolescents in remand centres, when in fact what these youngsters need is rehabilitative therapy and life skills training. Adolescents, especially street children, need a specialised treatment programme catering to their specific needs.