NCJ Number
139841
Journal
International Journal on Drug Policy Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (1992) Pages: 87-90
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The historical use of opiates in Austria is reviewed, followed by discussions of post-war drug use and the current epidemic of HIV infection among drug addicts.
Abstract
While it is difficult to ascertain when the cultivation of poppies or the misuse of opium in Austria first began, the historical use of opium as a medicine for adults and babies is well documented. Poppy seeds can be bought without restriction and their cultivation as an alternative crop is a government- subsidized industry. In post-war Austria, the number of drug users has steadily increased. Cannabis is the most frequently abused drug, followed by opiates; cocaine use is very rare in Austria. Among the country's 66 licensed services for drug addicts, 9 provide short- and medium-term inpatient treatment, while 5 offer long-term treatment and rehabilitation. In 1987, methadone was legalized for therapeutic use in drug addiction treatment. Since 1985, the incidence of HIV infection among drug addicts has been monitored; by 1989, 29.7 of intravenous drug users in Vienna were HIV-positive, while the figures from the Tyrol and Switzerland were much higher. 20 references