The iceberg of opium addiction. An epidemiological survey of opium addiction in a rural community.

As part of a medico-social survey in a rural population in the northern part of Iran, data concerning opium users was collected from randomly chosen households. The addiction rate was found to be 69/1000. The rate of registered addicts in the same population is 11/1000. The population in terms of registered addicts seems to be very small, but this is only the tip of the iceberg and does not reflect the true picture within the society. In view of the traditional use of opium in the country, the problem of addiction may become serious unless adequate and effective measures are taken.