Thursday 9 October 2008

Reflecting on heroin addiction

Research shows that 78% of smokers attempt to stop smoking each year, many making several attempts. Nearly 50% do not expect to be smoking in a year’s time.

However, only 2-3% stop permanently each year.

Smoking does not generally result in the smoker losing their job and their home, the support of their family, the lowering of self-esteem, and thoughts of suicide.

Addiction to heroin can lead to these things. And yet people do overcome heroin addiction, despite the adversities they face. The recovered/recovering heroin addict  may not be able to stop smoking.

Sadly, we do not know what percentage of people overcome a heroin addiction in the UK.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

The statistics for those who quit smoking have always been suspect, since the NHS only measure those who have stopped after 4 weeks treatment without bothering with any follow up.

The fact that there are no statistics are avialable for those addicted to heroin becoming free, may be more to do whith the fact that little attempt is made by NTA funded services in that direction.