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A heroin "epidemic" in Asia
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
|January 1, 1977
Summary
Heroin use emerged in Laos after an anti-opium law, affecting older opium users and creating new young heroin addicts. International users were also drawn to Laos for heroin, contrasting with North American epidemics.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
Background:
- Heroin epidemics are documented in North America but not Asia.
- Opium use has historically been prevalent in Asia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emergence of heroin use in Laos following legislative changes.
- To identify demographic shifts in drug addiction patterns.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of drug use trends in Laos.
- Analysis of demographic data of heroin users.
- Timeline analysis of heroin introduction and user demographics.
Main Results:
- Heroin use initiated in Laos in 1972 after an anti-opium law.
- Initial users were older, indigenous opium addicts switching to heroin.
- A new demographic of young, urban, unemployed males emerged as first-time heroin users.
- Younger Americans and Europeans were attracted to heroin use in Laos post-introduction.
Conclusions:
- Laos experienced a unique pattern of heroin epidemic emergence.
- Legislative changes can rapidly alter drug use landscapes.
- Heroin introduction created distinct user groups, including indigenous and international populations.