Monitoring changing patterns of drug dependence in accident and emergency departments

A survey was made of drug dependent individuals attending the Accident and Emergency Departments in Greater London in July 1982 and the results were compared with those of an identical survey in July 1975. There was a significant reduction in the number of incidents involving drug dependent patients, the majority of whom attended hospital after a drug overdose; the proportion of suicidal attempts increased significantly in 1982. Barbiturates were taken less frequently in 1982, but heroin and anxiolytics were taken more often. Possible reactions to these findings are discussed and the continuing role of the Accident and Emergency Departments in monitoring changing patterns of drug abuse in emphasised.