Annex 1 Definitions

Problem drug user

Any person who experiences social, psychological, physical or legal problems related to intoxication and/or regular excessive consumption and/or dependence as a consequence of his/her own use of drugs or chemical substances. --- ACMD 1982

The following, defined by the Department of Health, are used in England and Wales as well as in Scotland.

New patient/client

Any person who is attending the service for (a) the first time ever or (b) it has been at least six months since the last attendance at the service.

Drug

A drug is defined to be any drug of misuse, including solvents and tranquillisers, excluding tobacco. Alcohol is reported only if it is based on a secondary drug. Drugs which are prescribed by a doctor to be used as an alternative to the drug(s) of addiction are also specifically included.

Main drug

The drug which causes the patient/client the most problems at the time of contact; or the prescribed drug where it has been prescribed as part of a treatment package for addiction. This may not be the drug used most frequently or in the largest quantities.