The dynamics of heroin use; implications for intervention

Study objective To use a readily available dataset to detect periods of epi demic change and to examine the progression of heroin epidemics in differen t geographical areas. To consider the implications of epidemic change for s trategies to tackle drug misuse. Design-Comparison of trends in new treatment demand, observed incidence, an d age specific population rates for treated heroin users in two geographica l areas. Participants-Heroin users recorded to have sought treatment. Main results-The areas studied seem to show differences with respect to tre nds in new treatment demand, incidence of heroin use and distribution of ag e specific population rates; indicating that they may be at different epide mic stages. Conclusions-These analyses show how areas may differ with respect to epidem ic progression of heroin use. It is essential that government strategies, a nd local responses to these, should be cognisant of these dynamics.