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How many dependent heroin users are there in Australia?
W D Hall1, J E Ross, M T Lynskey
1National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Estimating the prevalence of dependent heroin users in Australia revealed a substantial public health issue. The study found a similar prevalence to Britain and the European Union, indicating a comparable magnitude of the problem.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Estimating the prevalence of dependent or daily heroin users is crucial for public health planning.
- International comparisons are needed to contextualize national prevalence rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of dependent or daily heroin users in Australia.
- To compare Australian heroin use prevalence with that of other developed countries.
Main Methods:
- Employed three estimation methods: back-projection, capture-recapture, and multiplier.
- Utilized data on national opioid overdose deaths, methadone maintenance treatment entrants, and heroin-related arrests.
- Compared Australian estimates with those from European Union countries using similar methodologies.
Main Results:
- Estimated 67,000 to 92,000 dependent heroin users in Australia (1997-1998), with a median estimate of 74,000.
- Population prevalence was 6.9 per 1000 adults aged 15-54 years.
- Prevalence in Australia is comparable to Britain (7 per 1000) and within the EU range (3-8 per 1000).
Conclusions:
- Dependent heroin use presents a substantial public health problem in Australia.
- The magnitude of heroin dependence in Australia is similar to that observed in comparable European societies.
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