The causes of heroin addiction. A review of the literature. Part I.

The causes of heroin addiction have been studied and debated, and many theories have evolved. This article reviews the extensive literature on the subject and groups the material under the categories of Psychological, Pharmacological, Genetic, Socilogical, Social Protest, The Family, and Stepping Stone theories.     

Recent trends in the demography of heroin addiction among youthful offenders.

Trends in demographic characteristics associated with heroin addiction in successive cohorts of a young offender population over the 5-year period 1968-1972 were examined within the framework of two contradictory views of the social competence of the addict provided by the literature. In general, heroin addicts during this period were found to be older, better educated, and more intelligent than nonaddicts. In addition, the racial composition of both the addict and nonaddict samples became increasingly non-White in composition and better educated; nonaddicts became increasingly older; and no significant trends with respect to intelligence took place. These findings support the view of the addict as being relatively more socially competent than his nonaddict offender peer. Implications of these findings for a model of addiction and rehabilitation are discussed.     

Understanding heroin as a "rational addiction".

This paper makes some interpretations on the Becker and Murphy model of rational addiction so as to consider policy issues beyond the discussion of the effects of price on heroin consumption. Through the model of the rational heroin user, this paper argues that heroin use is a symptom of other factors. The focus of the analysis is placed on the negative life events that underpin heroin consumption. Thus, policy makers who want to stop heroin use may find it more effective to first stop the underlying problems that are the cause of the catalytic consumption of heroin use. It may prove better to promote other religious, family and educational activities than to actively discourage heroin use.     

Estimated trends in the prevalence of heroin addiction in Switzerland. A multiple-indicator approach

Data on the prevalence of heroin addiction have considerable relevance in the field of public health as a means of evaluating measures aimed at improving the lives of the individuals concerned. The number of heroin addicts in Switzerland was estimated by six different methods based on various data sources. This resulted in an overall estimate for the reference year 1997 ranging from a minimum of 24,000 to a maximum of 35,000 heroin addicts. In the 1990s, the trend in the prevalence of heroin addiction was characterised by a rapid rise up to 1993/94 followed by a gradual decline. The increasing medicalisation (focus on treatment rather than on punishment) of Switzerland's heroin problem has therefore not translated into a clear downward trend in the estimated prevalence of heroin addiction; however, the data for the various sub-groups lend plausibility to the assumption that this population is more integrated, less conspicuous and receiving better medical care.