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128. EGYPT, ARAB REPUBLIC OF 31 Hashish is the drug most abused, followed by amphetamines, long- and short-acting barbiturates, antitussive tablets, codeine, cough syrups and tranquillizers. The abuse of opium also constitutes a problem. Several hundred persons were treated for opium addiction in psychiatric hospitals and out-patient clinics. They represent only a small portion of addicts in the population. Opium is taken orally and in some cases by injection. The number of drug offences for hashish and opium (4,373) remains at approximately the same level as in the previous year. Hashish is taken mainly by smoking. It is also eaten by some persons in combination with sweets. The persons abusing hashish are mainly in the 20-50 age group. In some cases, hashish is taken in combination with opium. Drug abuse affects both the urban and rural populations as well as various professional groups. However, it is mainly prevalent in the lower socio-economic groups of the population who are illiterate or semi-illiterate. Drug abuse is considered a scourge to individuals, society and the economy. It is also considered a great menace to young people and human potential as well as to socio-economic development.
129. IRAQ 32/ The most frequently abused drugs are cannabis and opiates. Only a limited number of persons abusing drugs have come to the attention of the authorities. It is considered that the use of psychotropic substances other than for medical purposes is negligible.
130. IRAN Abuse of opiates remains the major drug abuse problem. Heroin addiction, which has recently been spreading, is a serious drug abuse problem of young people. It is estimated that there are 350,000 persons addicted to opium (177,016 registered) and 20,000 persons addicted to heroin. Opium is smoked or taken orally, mainly by the older population in both urban and rural areas, while the young people smoke heroin in the large cities and their outskirts. An analysis of 3,719 hospitalized addicts reveals that the population of heroin addicts differs from that of opium addicts in some characteristics. Heroin addicts are younger and better educated, the duration of their addiction is shorter and they are more often hospitalized. Opiates are sometimes taken in combination with barbiturates in multiple drug abuse. Cannabis is also abused (by smoking) although the size of the problem is not estimated. During 1975, 15,851 persons were arrested for drug offences. This figure has substantially increased as compared with 9,967 in 1974. The main seizures, in addition to opium and heroin, include cannabis resin (also some liquid cannabis) and morphine.
131. ISRAEL 33/ Hashish (smoking), opium, methadone, pentobarbital,
me thaqualone (mainly orally) and LSD are abused. It is stated in the report that opium is used extensively by drug addicts, its abuse involving law breaking, illnesses and family problems. Some addicts inject opiates. Barbiturates are often taken in conjunction with opium and cause liver infections. Hashish is taken in combination with hypnotics. The abuse of hashish and LSD is commonly encountered among young people in the 14-20 age group. Opium, some opiates and hypnotics are abused mainly by persons over 20 years of age.
31/ Statement by representative
at fourth special session.
Information obtained from the Government by the Secretariat.
32/
33
Annual report for 1974.
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