Patterns of prescription drug misuse presenting to provincial drug clinics.

Aim: To survey new patients, presenting to three drug clinics, on the patterns, usage and costs of prescription pharmaceuticals.

Method: Consecutive patients seen by the medical staff for assessment had a 7-day history recorded for prescription drug (PD) usage, and the associated costs of these from street sources.

Results: There were 37 patients (26 males) with a mean age of 34 years (21-51).