European Addiction Research

Research Report

Estimated Trends in the Prevalence of Heroin Addiction in Switzerland

A Multiple-Indicator Approach

Maag V.

Author affiliations

Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, Main Unit Substance Abuse and AIDS, Bern, Switzerland

Keywords: Multiple-indicator approachPrevalence estimatesPopulation estimatesSwitzerlandHeroin addicts

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Eur Addict Res 2003;9:176–181
https://doi.org/10.1159/000070984

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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Research Report

Published online: September 17, 2003
Issue release date: October 2003

Number of Print Pages: 6
Number of Figures: 2
Number of Tables: 0

ISSN: 1022-6877 (Print)
eISSN: 1421-9891 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/EAR

Abstract

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.

© 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel



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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Research Report

Published online: September 17, 2003
Issue release date: October 2003

Number of Print Pages: 6
Number of Figures: 2
Number of Tables: 0

ISSN: 1022-6877 (Print)
eISSN: 1421-9891 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/EAR

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Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
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2003, Vol.9, No. 4

October 2003

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