Onset and pattern of substance use in intravenous drug users of an opiate maintenance program.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the initiation of substance use of participants in an opiate maintenance program by a cross-sectional survey.

METHOD: Participants (n=184) filled out a questionnaire assessing age at initial substance use and age at onset of regular drug use.

RESULTS

Of 15 substances investigated, alcohol, nicotine, analgesics and marijuana were initiated and consumed regularly before the age of 18 years. Barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and opiates were begun later. The time gap between initial and regular use varied depending on the substance. Regular use exceeded 50% for alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, heroin, marijuana and nicotine.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific knowledge about the age of onset and sequence of substances used by drug addicts may help to prevent substance use more age specifically.