E/CN.7/594 page 21
Use
101. NETHERLANDS The number of persons abusing drugs, mainly opiates (heroin) and amphetamines, is estimated at 10 000 of which 4 500 received treatment. of illegal drugs (amphetamines and opiates) is encountered among the younger age groups. Over 59 kilogrammes of heroin and 19 kilogrammes of amphetamines were seized in 1975. More than 2 400 persons mainly for cannabis and heroin offences were arrested. Misuse of legal drugs occurs more frequently among the adult population. It is estimated that 30 to 40 per cent of all addicts in the Netherlands are foreigners. Most of the persons abusing heroin are unskilled young people without work; the money they receive from social welfare or from other sources does not cover the cost of drugs and their living. Young immigrants from Surinam constitute a special risk group.
102. NORWAY It is estimated that some 900 persons abuse drugs and are treated, mainly for abuse of cannabis and opiates which are often taken in combination. Cannabis, methadone and amphetamines are more commonly abused by young people. The number of persons prosecuted for drug offences was 653, mostly young people.
103. POLAND An increase has been observed in the abuse of opiates (746 in 1974, 1 033 in 1975), barbiturates and amphetamines (206 in 1974, 415 in 1975) and in multiple drug abuse. There has also been abuse of trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride, a substance related to atropine and scopolamine, and some abuse of volatile solvents and cocaine. About 740 persons have been treated for drug abuse, the most commonly abused drugs being opiates, barbiturates, amphetamines and trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride (Parkopan). Abuse of these substances occurs more commonly in the 15-25 agė group. The most common combinations in multiple drug abuse are morphine with pethidine or trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride; morphine and barbiturates or amphetamines. of the drugs abused have been diverted from the licit channels. The number of persons arrested for drug offences has also increased (468 in 1974, 570 in 1975). These persons are usually students or unemployed under 25 years. Burglaries and thefts are the main problems associated with drug abuse.
Most
It has been observed
104. PORTUGAL 27 The number of drug abusers is estimated at 100 000 of whom two thirds are addicts. The onset age for experimenting is on average 11 years. There is a tendency towards the abuse of more potent drugs. Cannabis is the principal drug of abuse, followed by amphetamines and LSD. that a number of addicts inject amphetamines, barbiturates, opiates and cocaine. Both sexes are almost equally represented among the abusers. The upper socio- economic groups used to be affected by drug abuse but at present most classes are affected, in particular in the main cities.
105. ROMANIA According to the data gathered in treatment centres, drug addiction is almost non-existent with the exception of a few persons who have become addicted after therapeutical treatment.
106.
SPAIN 28 A considerable spread in the abuse of cannabis and LSD has been observed in recent years. Most of the opiate addicts recorded are patients who have been occasionally treated for medical purposes. The number of patients receiving these drugs (mostly between 45 and 50 years of age) has diminished.
27/ Observer's statement at fourth special session.
28/ Ibid.
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