A Follow-up Study of Female Narcotic Addicts: Variables Related to Outcome
P. T. D'ORBÁN M.B., Ch.B., M.R.C.Psych.1
1 Medical Officer, H.M. Prison, Holloway, London, N.7
Sixty-six female narcotic addicts first examined in 1967-68 were followed up four years later by reference to Home Office records. Thirty-six per cent had became abstinent, 32 per cent had remained addicted and 15 per cent had died. Comparisons were made on eight variables between those with a good outcome and those with a poor outcome. Outcome was assessed in terms of continued addiction and delinquency and in terms of addiction status alone. The number of previous convictions showed a significant inverse relationship to abstinence; this association may be worth validating in prospective studies of both sexes.
Submitted on August 22, 1973
