Substance Misuse - Prevalence

Prevalence

• The total number of drug misusers presenting for treatment in the 6 months ending March 1998 was around 30,000 in UK
  • 54% were in their twenties;
  • 15% were aged <20
  • M:F = 3:1
• 55% reported heroin as main drug of misuse
  • methadone was the next most frequently reported main drug of misuse - 13% of users
  • followed by cannabis and amphetamines, both with 9%

A substantial and growing problem

• There is a significant and profound impact on the health and social functioning of many individuals;
• 6% self-reported drug use in ages 16–59 in 1996.
• People who are involved in drugs may have multiple social and medical problems.

An urban problem?

Historically drug misuse has been thought of as an urban problem

• this is no longer the case.

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Written by:    Michael Harris

Last update: 07 May 2007

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