In a thought-provoking article published in Folha, Drauzio Varella draws a stark comparison between the addiction to nicotine and that of crack cocaine. He shares his personal journey of being dependent on nicotine from the age of 17 to 36, juxtaposed with his extensive experience interacting with crack users since 1992. Varella elaborates on how the method of consuming crack accelerates the drug's effects in the brain, suggesting that this biological response contributes to the severity of crack addiction. He asserts that while some addictions can be mitigated by altering one's environment, nicotine dependency lingers as a relentless thought pattern.

Varella further connects this discourse to the prison system, where he notes that the use of crack has proliferated due to its lower cost and the minimal equipment required for consumption compared to other drugs. He highlights that within prison environments, although crack gained prevalence for these reasons, certain factions have implemented rules that discourage its use, suggesting a complex interplay between addiction and social order in confined spaces. This observation raises questions about the broader implications of drug policies and their effectiveness in addressing substance abuse in both societal and prison contexts.

By bringing this comparison to the forefront, Varella challenges prevailing assumptions about various substances and their impact on individuals and communities. His insights on the pervasive nature of nicotine addiction serve as a call to reevaluate societal attitudes towards smoking and drug use. The article not only invites reflection on personal experiences with addiction but also urges readers to consider the systemic issues surrounding addiction and recovery.