RESUMO
A study was conducted in Central and District Jails, Multan and District Jail, Gujranwala from January 1987 to December 1988 to estimate the prevalence of drug abuse. The prevalence rate of the drug addiction amongst the prisoners was 11.4%, Peak prevalence [50%] was in the age group of 21 to 30 years i.e. Most of the addicts [67.33%] were married, 87% were unskilled, 78% were urbanites. 64% were illiterate and more than 95% belong to low socio-economic group. Heroin was used by 73%. About 95% respondents started taking drugs for pleasure, while the rest [27%] take to ward off worries. The withdrawl symptoms were mostly related to gastro-intestinal tract. Majority of addicts [78%] believed that a complete ban of availability of drug was an effective measures combat addiction