"World Traveler" addicts in Asia: I. Demographic and clinical description.

Fifty-six addicted "world travelers" were studied at a treatment facility for opium addicts in Laos. They were primarily in their twenties (80%), male (80%), and single (70%). Most had begun narcotic use away from their own country during their travels. A majority were traveling alone, currently living alone, and using narcotic drugs alone. Their addiction at the time of seeking treatment was well established: narcotic drugs comprised their main daily expenditure, they had numerous problems associated with narcotic use, and high doses of methadone were necessary for detoxification.