Changing trends in solvent abuse in the north-east of Scotland

The prevalence of solvent abuse in the northeast of Scotland was studied over two consecutive years (1981 and 1982). Information concerning the number of new cases of solvent abuse was obtained from questionnaires distributed to general practitioners in the area and by examining police files.The results obtained show a decrease in the number of cases of solvent abuse reported to general practitioners in 1982 compared with 1981 and police statistics show a similar trend. A more substantial decrease was found in Aberdeen and the larger towns near to Aberdeen than in the smaller towns further from the city.