[Differential health and toxicological features of drug-dependents in treatment and in active consumption].

OBJECTIVES To describe and compare the demographic and health characteristics and drug use patterns in a group of drug dependent individuals who were actively using drugs versus those in different types of treatment. To analyze the interventions used with the different groups. DESIGN Descriptive study. SETTING Users at the Association for Aid to Drug Dependent Persons (Asociación de Ayuda al Drogodependiente, ACLAD) in the city of Valladolid in northwestern Spain. PATIENTS 1224 drug dependent persons. MEASURES We reviewed the medical records for a 30-month period for users who were seen at a treatment center and who were participating in a damage reduction program. We recorded demographic, drug use and clinical variables and compared changes. RESULTS We studied 1224 patients in all. One-third had human immunodeficiency virus infection, 63% had markers for previous hepatitis A infection, 48% had markers for hepatitis B, and 68.5% for hepatitis C. The Mantoux test was positive in 39.1%. We found differences in the prevalence of infections between active drug users and users in treatment, between drug dependent persons receiving different types of treatment, and between different periods of study. CONCLUSIONS There were clear differences in demographic and health characteristics and drug use patterns between users. Those who were not in rehabilitation were in worse health, and were studied in less detail that other groups of drug users. During follow-up we noted a slight improvement in their health conditions, along with a tendency toward improved primary care interventions.