Social and psychological back-ground of drug addicts interviewed in Dublin.

This paper explains the difference between the older drug user in Irish society, and the new, younger drug user, who often uses drugs in a group setting, and often forms a distinct subculture. Younger drug users are also more likely to recruit others, and the initial reason for taking a drug is not to overcome emotional stress. Using a pre-coded questionnaire the authors collected data from 50 individuals (25 in patients and 25 out patients) over a period of 2 years. The data consisted of socio-demographic information, extent and duration of drug use, and the types of drugs taken. All individuals took the Cattell 16 Personality Factor test. It was concluded that most of the drug users who presented at hospital for treatment had a personality disorder. Since completing this report 6% of the patients have died from overdose.