Netherlands National Drug Monitor - Research and Documentation ...

Age and gender
• In 2008 80% of primary opiate clients were male. Over time this percentage has
fluctuated between 78% and 80%.
• In 2008 the average age was 44 – considerably higher than that of cannabis, ecstasy
and amphetamine clients. 70% of opiate clients were older than 39 (Figure 4.4).
• The percentage of young opiate clients (age 15 to 29) dropped between 1994 and
2006 from 39% to 6%. In 2007 and 2008, the number stabilised at five percent.
Figure 4.4 Age distribution of primary opiate clients of (outpatient) addiction care. Survey year 2008
25
%
20
18
21
22
17
15
10
8
7
5
4
3
1
20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 >59
Age
Percentage of clients per age group. Source: LADIS, IVZ (2009).
General hospitals; incidents
Misuse of and dependence on opiates are rarely stated as the primary diagnosis in
general hospitals. In 2008 the LMR listed 79 admissions with this primary diagnosis
(58% dependence and 42% misuse, Figure 4.5).
• More frequently, opiate misuse and dependence are cited as a secondary diagnosis
(542 in 2008; 76% dependence, 24% misuse). The decline registered between 2002
and 2006 in the number of secondary diagnoses for opiate problems did not continue
in 2007 and 2008. In fact, a slight rise took place between 2006 and 2008 (+14%).
The primary diagnoses accompanying these secondary diagnoses vary considerably.
The most common in 2008 were:
- diseases and symptoms of the respiratory tract (29%)
- digestive system disorders (10%)
- injury through accidents (9%; fractures, cuts, concussion)
- poisoning (8%)
4 Opiates
89