The course and outcome of drug addiction. A follow-up study of 178 cases in Madurai,South India

One hundred and seventy-eight subjects diagnosed as dependent on various agents and first seen between 1970 and 1974 were followed up for 6–10 years and data collected in respect of the persistence of drug-taking behaviour, marital and occupational adjustment and mortality. Data were obtained in 173 cases. Drug-taking persisted continuously in 87 and intermittently in 11 subjects and abstinence was achieved in 40 cases. The majority showed maladjustment in occupation and marital relations. There was a mortality of 17% (29 deaths) including 16 suicides. Twenty-eight (17%) had made suicidal attempts. The observations are discussed from some Indian cultural points of view with reference to the follow-up characteristics of different types of addiction.