The Changing Pattern of Narcotic Addiction in Britain -1959 to 1969

Abstract

With the introduction of measures restricting the prescribing of heroin or cocaine to narcotic addicts and the virtual withdrawal of supplies of methylamphetamine for intravenous injection in 1968, there have been marked changes in the pattern of narcotic addiction in Britain. In spite of the appearance of illicitly manufactured heroin in London there has been, so far, little evidence of serious narcotic peddling to youngsters, although a recent vogue among narcotic addicts for the intravenous injection of barbiturates has led to serious physical complications. The problem of narcotic addiction in Britain should be viewed seriously but within the context of the problem of drug addiction generally.