PROBLEM DRUG-USE IN A CENTRAL LONDON GENERAL-PRACTICE

Objective - To describe the profile of problem drug users presenting in general practice and to determine whether they can be cared for in general practice. Design - Study of consultations by problem drug users. Setting - Central London general practice. Subjects - 150 problem drug users presenting over two years. Main outcome measures - Stopping drug use, alterations in lifestyle, obtaining paid work, and stopping drug related crime. Results - Of the 150 patients, 111 were men and 39 women, and 106 were unemployed. 121 patients used heroin, 112 of whom injected. 145 patients accepted a methadone reduction programme and 81 completed it. A further 25 were stabilised on reducing doses of methadone, until places became available for them as inpatients at drug dependency units or rehabilitation projects. Conclusion - Withdrawal programmes for patients who misuse drugs can be successfully managed in general practice.