Opiate dependence users profile. A decade review

Abstract

Introduction. Substance dependence, especially heroin dependence, has become one of the most prevalent psychiatric diseases during recent years. In spite of the numerous related publications, very few articles offer a heroin users profile based on an extensive sample and a broad range of variables of opiate dependent patients in Spain, thus limiting the possibility of generalizing the different findings published.

Objective. Present a description of an opiate dependence user profile, based on the analysis of a broad range of variables in an extensive population sample.

Methodology. An observational, retrospective study, with treatment group (n= 1177) and no control group was established. Descriptive and survival techniques were used to analyse different variables (sociodemographic data, medical and psychiatric history, drug consumption record, risk behavior in regards to HIV infection, previous dehabituations, legal situation, treatment carried out for addiction, etc.).

Results. We describe a heroine dependent user pattern that coincides in the different variables with the data offered by previous reviews in Spain.

Conclusions. The profile defined can be considered as representative of opiate users in Spain, and it may be used as a reference for future articles.