Abstract
A case-control study of heroin users in general practice showed a prevalence of roughly two per 1000 of the urban population or four per “average” general practice list of patients. A method of studying heroin users who attend general practice was used that has advantages over existing techniques. Thirty six heroin users had a statistically significantly higher yearly doctor-patient consultation rate than a group of matched controls. More heroin users also failed to attend appointments than controls. When consultations directly related to heroin and its effects were excluded, however, the consultation rates in the two groups were similar. The heroin users did not have an excess of psychiatric disorder or disturbed family background compared with controls but had a noticeable history of dishonest and violent behaviour towards medical staff.
A high proportion of heroin users in the study were antibody positive for the human immunodeficiency virus. General practitioners should take advantage of their frequent contacts with heroin users and their families to give them support and counselling about the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
Full text
PDF
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Bucknall A. B., Robertson J. R., Foster K. Medical facilities used by heroin users. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986 Nov 8;293(6556):1215–1216. doi: 10.1136/bmj.293.6556.1215. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Bucknall A. B., Robertson J. R. Heroin misuse and family medicine. Fam Pract. 1985 Dec;2(4):244–251. doi: 10.1093/fampra/2.4.244. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Bucknall A. B., Robertson J. R., Strachan J. G. Use of psychiatric drug treatment services by heroin users from general practice. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986 Apr 12;292(6526):997–999. doi: 10.1136/bmj.292.6526.997. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Gillon R. AIDS and medical confidentiality. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987 Jun 27;294(6588):1675–1677. doi: 10.1136/bmj.294.6588.1675. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Glanz A. Findings of a national survey of the role of general practitioners in the treatment of opiate misuse: dealing with the opiate misuser. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986 Aug 23;293(6545):486–488. doi: 10.1136/bmj.293.6545.486. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Glanz A. Findings of a national survey of the role of general practitioners in the treatment of opiate misuse: views on treatment. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986 Aug 30;293(6546):543–545. doi: 10.1136/bmj.293.6546.543. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Glanz A., Taylor C. Findings of a national survey of the role of general practitioners in the treatment of opiate misuse: extent of contact with opiate misusers. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986 Aug 16;293(6544):427–430. doi: 10.1136/bmj.293.6544.427. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Hartnoll R., Lewis R., Mitcheson M., Bryer S. Estimating the prevalence of opioid dependence. Lancet. 1985 Jan 26;1(8422):203–205. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(85)92036-7. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Martin E. Managing drug addiction in general practice--the reality behind the guidelines: discussion paper. J R Soc Med. 1987 May;80(5):305–307. doi: 10.1177/014107688708000516. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Newman R. G. The need to redefine "addiction". N Engl J Med. 1983 May 5;308(18):1096–1098. doi: 10.1056/NEJM198305053081811. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Parker H., Newcombe R., Bakx K. The new heroin users: prevalence and characteristics in Wirral, Merseyside. Br J Addict. 1987 Feb;82(2):147–157. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1987.tb01453.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Parker J., Gay M. Problem drug users known to Bristol general practitioners. J R Coll Gen Pract. 1987 Jun;37(299):260–263. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Robertson J. R., Bucknall A. B., Welsby P. D., Roberts J. J., Inglis J. M., Peutherer J. F., Brettle R. P. Epidemic of AIDS related virus (HTLV-III/LAV) infection among intravenous drug abusers. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986 Feb 22;292(6519):527–529. doi: 10.1136/bmj.292.6519.527. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Smerdon G., Paton A. ABC of alcohol: detection in general practice. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1982 Jan 23;284(6311):255–257. doi: 10.1136/bmj.284.6311.255. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]