Are all districts equally ready for "shared care" of drug misusers?

All GPs in three neighbouring districts were sent a questionnaire concernin g attitudes towards drug misusers and their treatment beliefs. 79% (270) re turned completed questionnaires. Two of the districts showed similar attitu de scores towards opiate users and their treatment but the third district c ontained significantly more GPs with negative attitudes. Social deprivation scores did not appear important. GPs who had experience of prescribing for drug users and were of younger age were more likely to have positive opini ons. This study demonstrates an apparent positive shift in opinion and atti tude of GP's and provides indications for purchasers wishing to develop "sh ared care" of drug misusers. However they must first assess local condition s before they can set targets and allocate resources.