The course of narcomania in adolescence ? A COMPARISON OF YOUNG PSYCHIATRIC IN-PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT DRUG ABUSE

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Abstract
Young drug abusers (84) and non-abusers (84) admitted to a psychiatric ward were followed over a period averaging 3 yr after discharge. According to information from the patients and their families, about 1/3 of the abusers had stopped taking drugs and appeared to be well adjusted socially. The remainder had continued their abuse, periodically or continuously. Many of them had a large alcohol consumption. The incidence of delinquency was high for those who claimed to have ceased their abuse. It seems doubtful that the course is as favorable as stated in the literature. The non-abusers fared much better, 2/3 showing satisfactory adjustment. As a prognostic factor, i.v. administration represented a particularly bad sign among the drug abusers, while a high alcohol intake was of special significance among the nonabusers.