The course and outcome of drug addiction. A follow-up study of 178 cases in Madurai, South India.

One hundred and seventy-eight subjects diagnosed as dependent on various agents and first seen between 1970 and 1974 were followed up for 6 - 10 years and data collected in respect of the persistence of drug-taking behaviour, marital and occupational adjustment and mortality. Data were obtained 173 cases. Drug-taking persisted continuously in 87 and intermittently in 11 subjects and abstinence was achieved in 40 cases. The majority showed maladjustment in occupation and marital relations. There was a mortality of 17% (29 deaths) including 16 suicides. Twenty-eight (17%) had made suicidal attempts. The observations are discussed from some Indian cultural points of view with reference to the follow-up characteristics of different types of addiction.