Problem drug use in a central London general practice.

Objective: To describe the profile of problem drug users presenting in general practice and to determine whether they can be cared for in general practice.
Design: Study of consultations by problem drug users.
Setting: Central London general practice.
Subjects: 150 problem drug users presenting over two years.
Main Outcome Measures: Stopping drug use, alterations in lifestyle, obtaining paid work, and stopping drug related crime.
Results: Of the 150 patients, 111 were men and 39 women, and 106 were unemployed. 121 patients used heroin, 112 of whom injected. 145 patients accepted a methadone reduction programme and 81 completed it. A further 25 were stabilised on reducing doses of methadone, until places became available for them as inpatients at drug dependency units or rehabilitation projects.
Conclusion: Withdrawal programmes for patients who misuse drugs can be successfully managed in general practice.