Health status of a group of narcotic addicts in a methadone treatment programme

This study, which arose out of a concern for the health status of narcotic addicts already in a treatment programme, has demonstrated that there is a severe level of impairment of general health. A summary of important findings is reported. Narcotic addiction leads to secondary medical morbidity and mortality, but health impairment also follows the gross disorder of living which has its roots in childhood, and early adolescent experience. Successful prevention and rehabilitation needs to be based on this knowledge.