A prospective cohort study of mortality, abstinence, criminality and psychiatric comorbidity [ 2004 - 2005 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Maree Teesson (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Joanne Ross ,  Prof Michael Lynskey ,  Prof Shane Darke

Brief description Over 70 000 Australians are dependent on heroin. Heroin dependence is remarkably persistent and is, in many cases, a lifelong condition. Long term treatment outcome and abstinence from heroin among this group are poor. Mortality among heroin users is high, with heroin users dying at a rate 13 times that of peers. Despite the extent of the problem, the natural history of heroin users has not yet been studied in Australia. The current study will be the first Australian study of the natural history of heroin users. The study will follow up a large cohort of heroin users over a three year period. Estimates will be obtained of mortality rates, abstinence rates, criminal careers, and psychiatric problems among heroin users. It will also examine factors that predict abstinence, mortality, criminality and levels of psychopathology, and determine the health costs associated with heroin use careers. The study will provide essential data on how heroin use progresses, and on what factors predict a better outcome for heroin users.

Funding Amount $AUD 419,500.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant