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HEALTH STATUS OF A GROUP OF NARCOTIC ADDICTS IN A METHADONE TREATMENT PROGRAMME
Author(s) -
Webster Ian W.,
Waddy Nanette,
Jenkins Leonard V.,
Lai Lawrence Y. C.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1977.tb117751.x
Subject(s) - narcotic , addiction , methadone , methadone maintenance , rehabilitation , psychiatry , narcotic drugs , medicine , psychology , physical therapy , emergency medicine
This study, which arose out of a concern for the health status of narcotic addicts already in a treatment programme, has demonstrated that there is a severe level of impairment of general health. A summary of important findings is reported. Narcotic addiction leads to secondary medical morbidity and mortality, but health impairment also follows the gross disorder of living which has its roots in childhood, and early adolescent experience. Successful prevention and rehabilitation needs to be based on this knowledge.