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Substance use, health and social problems of service users at 54 drug treatment agencies

Intake data from the National Treatment Outcome Research Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Michael Gossop ,
John Marsden ,
Duncan Stewart ,
Petra Lehmann ,
Carolyn Edwards ,
Alison Wilson  and
Graham Segar
Michael Gossop*
Affiliation:
NTORS, National Addiction Centre, London
John Marsden
Affiliation:
NTORS, National Addiction Centre, London
Duncan Stewart
Affiliation:
NTORS, National Addiction Centre, London
Petra Lehmann
Affiliation:
NTORS, National Addiction Centre, London
Carolyn Edwards
Affiliation:
NTORS, National Addiction Centre, London
Alison Wilson
Affiliation:
NTORS, National Addiction Centre, London
Graham Segar
Affiliation:
NTORS, National Addiction Centre, London
*
Dr M. Gossop, NTORS, National Addiction Centre, 4 Windsor Walk. London SE5 8AF
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Abstract

Background

The National Treatment Outcome Research Study (NTORS) is the first large-scale, prospective, multi-site treatment outcome study of drug users in the UK.

Method

Substance use, health and social problems of 1075 service users were assessed at intake to 54 agencies chosen to be representative of the main national drug treatment modalities.

Results

Heroin dependence was the most frequently reported problem often with poly-drug and alcohol problems. Most service users injected drugs and & quarter of the injectors shared injecting equipment. Poly-drug use and heavy drinking were more common among service users admitted to residential treatments. High criminality rates were reported Psychological and physical health problems were common and many service users had prior contact with psychiatric and medical services.

Conclusions

The range and severity of problems adversely affect individual users, their families, and present & challenge to addiction treatment services. These problems create costs for the health care, social service and criminal justice system responses.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 173 , Issue 2 , August 1998 , pp. 166 - 171
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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Footnotes

†

See related paper pp. 160–165. this issue.

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