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Heroin Abusers in Psychiatric Beds

A Glasgow Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Alan A. Fraser*
Affiliation:
Duke Street Hospital
Anne Greer
Affiliation:
Duke Street Hospital
Pramod Jauhar
Affiliation:
Duke Street Hospital
*
Department of Psychiatry, Duke Street Hospital, Glasgow G31 2HX

Extract

A retrospective study was carried out of all heroin abusers admitted to an acute psychiatric unit to examine their use of the facility of in-patient care. The compliance with treatment was low. Most patients discharged themselves or were discharged prematurely for using drugs while in the ward; only 21% were discharged as planned. The value of hospital admission in the management of opiate abusers may have to be reconsidered in view of the increasing prevalence of heroin abuse and the limited number of psychiatric beds.

Type
Brief Reports
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1987 

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References

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