Prevalence and Early Detection of Heroin Abuse

Abstract

A survey to estimate the prevalence of heroin abuse in young people in Crawley New Town showed that 8.50 per thousand boys and girls and 14.75 per thousand boys in the age group 15–20 were “confirmed” users. Five methods of population screening were used. Each has been evaluated in terms of its efficiency as an early detector of heroin abuse. Normal channels of referral to the psychiatrist for treatment of heroin abuse are shown to be inefficient, and it appears that more patients could be brought into treatment earlier by using the screening methods described. It is suggested that hepatitis and amphetamine overdoses in young people are useful early indicators of possible heroin abuse. © 1968, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.