[Morbidity of the drug addict]

Exact inquiries about cross-sectional dates and the pursuit of trends within the spectrum of morbidity under correct scientific conditions are essential for characterization of the epidemiological situation of the abuse of narcotics. At the moment we only have limited possibilities. In the Federal Republic of Germany we observe a remarkable increase of drug abuse, an increase of criminality connected with drug abuse, death caused by drugs and a shift to elder age-groups. The intravenous drug-addicts are considerably and increasingly burdened by hepatotropic virus infections. They show a high risk relating to the virustransfer into the younger population because of the rapidly increasing HIV-prevalence. From the insurance-medical point of view we have to consider a toxicological investigation of the current abuse of narcotics besides a clinical diagnostic including a virological status.