[Current situation of drug dependence and task against it].
According to several kind of nationwide surveys and censuses, the 3rd epidemic methamphetamine abuse/dependence still continues since 1995. Methamphetamine is still most popular drug among people with drug abuse/dependence despite strict legal restriction. The majority of these are repeat offenders. This indicates the need for development of medical treatment targeting drug dependence and for its social support system. At the same time, abuse of cannabis, narcotics, MDMA has increased and non-regulatory drugs such as designer drugs emerged mainly among young people, while solvent abuse/dependence is dramatically decreased. Benzodiazepine dependence occur in patients taking therapeutic doses of benzodiazepine. The elderly patients are most vulnerable to benzodiazepine dependence. Education of benzodiazepine dependence and development of the withdrawal program are needed.
Kiriike
Nobuo
N
Department of Neuropsychiatry, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine.
D000328:Adult; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*