title: Heroin use, dependence, and attitudes to treatment in non-treatment-seeking heroin users: a pilot study.
abstract: Much research examining heroin users utilizes treatment samples; non-treatment-seeking heroin users are not well understood. It is unclear whether this group can avoid impaired control or negative sequelae commonly observed in treatment-seeking populations. During 2000 and 2001, we recruited 69 non-treatment-seeking heroin users with no treatment history. Heroin use, management strategies, treatment attitudes, and risk behaviors were assessed; the DSM-IV checklist and severity of dependence scale were completed. Study limitations and implications for heroin use and its treatment are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Drug and Alcohol Studies, The Prince Charles Hospital and Health Services District, and Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. a.dean@uq.edu.au
authors.forename: Angela J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Dean
authors.forename: John B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Saunders
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D055030:Drug Users / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012720:Severity of Illness Index