SOCIAL ASPECTS OF HEROIN ABUSERS Niko Bekarovski Clinic of Toxicology - Clinic Center Skopje- Republic of Macedonia

Introduction: The number of heroin abusers have tendency of relative and absolute increase in last decade. Social and economic disturbances, and crime actions are connected with this modern epidemic situation.

Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to analyzed the age, sex, social and ethnic distribution of heroin abusers

Patients and methods: We analyzed a group of 57 heroin abusers, hospitably treated at the Clinic of Toxicology , after heroin overdose. All the patients have answered a specially prepared questionnaire.

Results: Average age of the analyzed group was 19,6 (± 7,8) years.36 patients (63,17%) were male and 21 female. The average heroin dose was 0,25 g. per day (max. 1,5 and min. 0,25 every fourth day). 46 patients (80,7%) used only I.v. application of the heroin. Home resources were the usual way to get finances for heroin (>60%). 14 patients were heroin smugglers and dealers and 11 of them (19%) were already at prison. Only 9 patients had regular employment.

Ethnic distribution of heroin abusers From 28 macedonians 18 were females 64,3% All 18 albanians were males Two of the six muslims were females One of the four gypsies was female

Level of education and divorced parents among heroin abusers

Conclusion: Young population, male domination high percent of crime delicts and divorced parents, and very low level of employment are main characteristics of heroin abusers in Republic of Macedonia.