Experience of non-fatal overdose among heroin users in Adelaide, Australia: circumstances and risk perceptions

摘要: AIMS: To ascertain the prevalence and risk factors for non-fatal overdose among heroin users to assist in development of an effective intervention. DESIGN: Cross-sectional design. SETTING: Community setting, principally metropolitan Adelaide. PARTICIPANTS: Current (used previous six months). MEASUREMENTS: A structured questionnaire including Severity Dependence Scale. FINDING: Of 218 current South Australian interviewed 1996, 48% had experienced at least one their life-time (median: two overdoses), 11% overdosed 6 months. At some time, 70% been present someone else's three overdoses). time own most recent overdose, 52% using central nervous system depressants addition heroin, benzodiazepines (33%) and/or alcohol (22%). The majority overdoses occurred a private home (81%) presence other people (88%). Unrealistic optimism regarding was evident across sample. Despite almost half sample reporting having belief expressed by respondents that on average about 50% regular would during 73% had, months, "rarely" or "never" worried possibly overdosing. Optimism possibility future reduced those with experience comparison rest targeted intervention aimed reduction is outlined. Language: en