Short-Term Heroin Detoxification on an Outpatient Basis

Abstract

The abuse of heroin in the Haight-Ashbury subculture of San Francisco increased ten-fold in the twelve month period preceding June 1970; all indications point to a like increase in the coming year. Drug abuse in the Haight-Ashbury has usually presaged that in other sections of the country by many months; our clinic is turned to by physicians throughout the area for consultation. Of special significance is the emergence of the “middle class junkie” (young, white, with a short-term habit). This new heroin population is being treated by us on an outpatient basis, with symptomatic non-narcotic medication, and is directed whenever possible into the available psycho-social aftercare facilities