Heroin addicts in the community and in treatment compared for severity of problems and need for help.

This article focuses on differences and similarities between heroin addicts in the community and in three types of treatment and a model for help-seeking. Data were collected with the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). Analyses concentrated on severity of problems, concern regarding the problems, and need for help. The results indicate that differences exist across the groups. Psychological and social problems were more frequently reported by addicts applying for inpatient treatment. Occupational, health, and legal problems appeared not to be triggers for seeking professional help.