Characteristics of a population undergoing treatment for drug addiction in a therapeutic community setting in Spain

The authors discuss the findings of a study of the personal history characteristics of a population of 223 individuals who underwent treatment for drug addiction at the Masma Therapeutic Community, Lugo, Spain, during the period September 1984 to March 1986. The population consisted of 58 females and 165 males, predominantly from middle-class backgrounds. Nearly all were multiple drug abusers, cannabis and heroin being the most widely abused drugs. Over half the population received treatment prior to admission to the Masma Community for the abuse of either barbiturates or opiates. The research instrument used was a self-report questionnaire, completed by participants anonymously and on a voluntary basis. It included items relating to personal and family background, aspects of drug abuse and type of prior treatment.