[Physical health and drug dependence]

90 hospitalized drug addicts observed in 1979-83 were examined. The investigation of the main anamnestic, clinical and instrumental parameters made it possible to construct a profile of the main physical handicaps affecting drug addicts and the main pathologies they encounter. In conclusion it is emphasised that it is probably not the drug in itself but rather their unhealthy life style that is the primary cause of drug addicts' poor health.