Addiction and dependence—Ⅰ: Illicit drugs

摘要

About 30% of adults in Britain have used illicit drugs at some time in their lives, but misuse of prescription drugs (such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates) is probably even more widespread. Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug. About 100 000 people misuse heroin (diamorphine), and an unknown but increasing number use other drugs such as ecstasy and amphetamines. While the number of new drug users continues to rise, the number who inject drugs is falling, possibly as a result of health education about risks of HIV transmission. The highest number of addicts are found in London and the north west of England.