Abstract

Background

Much of the previous qualitative research on heroin users has focused on the progression and inevitable decline of a heroin using career or the struggles and setbacks of small single groups of heroin users. Much less attention has been paid to the ability of heroin users to successfully integrate heroin use into their broader lifestyles. We build on this literature by offering a contemporary view of the lives of heroin users in the United Kingdom that examines the role of heroin-using lifestyles in the accomplishment of persistent heroin use.

Methods

The research was based on a sample of 51 current or recent heroin users recruited from a needle exchange programme and low threshold drug service operating in Wales in the United Kingdom. The interviews were semi-structured and covered topics listed in an interview schedule.

Results

The analysis of users’ narratives identified four unique types of lifestyle: ‘Domestic users,’ ‘Top boys,’ ‘On-the-wander,’ and ‘On-the-run.’

Conclusion

The typology of heroin-using lifestyles presented shows that heroin users’ needs and abilities are variable and that a drug strategy tailored to their lifestyles might be beneficial. Aspects of heroin users’ lifestyles comprise recovery capital that could be drawn upon as part of the treatment process.

中文翻译：

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威尔士持续使用海洛因的变化：用户生活方式的类型学

摘要

背景

以前对海洛因吸食者的许多定性研究都集中在海洛因吸食者的职业发展和不可避免的衰退，或一小群海洛因吸食者的挣扎和挫折上。很少有人关注海洛因使用者成功地将海洛因吸毒融入他们更广泛的生活方式的能力。我们以这些文献为基础，提供了英国海洛因使用者生活的当代观点，考察了海洛因使用生活方式在实现持续使用海洛因方面的作用。

方法

该研究基于在英国威尔士开展的针头交换计划和低门槛毒品服务中招募的 51 名当前或近期海洛因使用者的样本。采访是半结构化的，涵盖了采访时间表中列出的主题。

结果

对用户叙述的分析确定了四种独特的生活方式：“国内用户”、“顶级男孩”、“在流浪”和“在逃”。

结论

所呈现的吸食海洛因生活方式的类型表明，海洛因使用者的需求和能力是可变的，适合他们生活方式的药物策略可能是有益的。海洛因使用者生活方式的各个方面包括可以作为治疗过程一部分的恢复资金。