Remission from drug abuse over a 25-year period: Patterns of remission andtreatment use

Objectives. Using an epidemiologically obtained sample, we examined pattern s of illicit drug use, abuse, and remission over a 25-year period and recen t treatment use. Methods. The surviving members of the cohort (n=841), previously surveyed i n 1972 and 1974, comprised 3 subsamples of Vietnam War enlisted men and civ ilian controls, Retrospectively obtained year-to-year measures from the sur vey included use and remission of sedatives, stimulants, marijuana, cocaine , and opiates, as well as substance abuse and psychiatric treatment use. Results. Relatively stable patterns frequent use in adulthood were found, w ith the mean duration from initiation to the last remission ranging from 9 to 14 yens. A majority attempted to quit; however, most did not use traditi onal drug treatment in their last attempts. Fewer than 9% of the then-curre nt drug users were treated in inpatient or outpatient settings at the time of data collection. Conclusions. Most drug abusers who had started using drugs by their early 2 0s appeared to gradually achieve remission. Spontaneous remission was the r ule rather than the exception. Nonetheless, considerable unmet needs existe d for those who had continued use into middle age.