Multiple drug use : patterns and practices of heroin and crack use in a population of opiate addicts in treatment

BESWICK, T., BEST, David, REES, S., COOMBER, R., GOSSOP, M. and STRANG, J. (2001). Multiple drug use : patterns and practices of heroin and crack use in a population of opiate addicts in treatment. Drug and Alcohol Review, 20 (2), 201-204.

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Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1080/09595230123134

Abstract

One hundred and sixteen opiate addicts attending treatment services in south London were interviewed about their drug use patterns. In the month before interview, 90% reported heroin use, while 60% had used crack cocaine and 58% alcohol. In the same period, 70% of participants reported multiple drug use, particularly concurrent heroin and crack cocaine use. Of the patients who reported using other drugs with heroin, two-third used crack cocaine, 11% diazepam, 9% methadone and 8% cocaine powder. Twenty-six per cent of crack users sample had injected crack cocaine, which provides confirmation of the increasing prevalence of this recent trend in studies using similar samples. Male participants were significantly more likely to use benzodiazepines with heroin, while women were more likely to use crack alongside heroin (and used larger quantities). These findings have implications for the treatment and management of multiple drug users, for whom opiates may be only a part of their drug-using repertoire.

Item Type: Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Law Research Group
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1080/09595230123134
Page Range: 201-204
Depositing User: Hilary Ridgway
Date Deposited: 23 Jan 2015 10:48
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 09:30
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/9242

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