A Comparative Study of Injecting Opiate and Amphetamine Users in a Rural Area

Abstract

The behaviour of 71 intravenous drug users not in contact with treatment services were analysed and the users of opiates and amphetamines compared. The findings were similar to other research reports except in two important respects. Intravenous amphetamine users were older and engaged in more high risk needle sharing. Existing research from large cities suggest that this group of drug users are younger and more harmful in their needle sharing then opiate injectors. Various explanations are considered such as this being a rural phenomenon. It highlights the need for local research to determine policies on drug misuse and HIV.

Key Words:

• Amphetamines
• opiates
• injecting
• rural