Clients of drug and alcohol services: more fearful of heroin than members of the general public?

Abstract

Aims: To quantify how harmful are heroin and alcohol misuse in the opinion of members of the general public and clients of community drug and alcohol services. Methods: A quantitative self-reported survey, comparing the opinions of 104 service users with 304 members of the UK general public using a 14-item “fear of addiction” scale (FOAS; maximum possible score range: −28 to 28). Results: Both groups perceived heroin more harmful than alcohol. Service users were more fearful of both heroin (FOAS mean score = 18.0; standard deviation (SD) = 6.4) and alcohol (mean = 16.5; SD = 7.9) than the general public (FOAS mean for heroin = 15.87; SD = 7.7; p = 0.009; alcohol mean = 11.5; SD = 8.79715; p < 0.001). Service users were significantly more likely to regard alcohol as a “menace to society” than members of the public (87% vs. 68%; χ² = 47; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Clients of drug and alcohol services may be more fearful of heroin and alcohol than members of the public. An exaggerated perception of harm may not be a significant protective mechanism that may deter people from using addictive substances.

• Alcohol
• heroin
• alcohol use disorders
• opioid use disorders
• public opinion
• protective factors