Research for this project was carried out by the Isis Research Group in the Centre for Womenís Studies, Trinity College, Dublin, in partnership with the Inter-Agency Drugs Project/North Inner City Drugs Task Force. The project was funded by Enterprise Ireland (Science and Technology Against Drugs Programme) and the Combat Poverty Agency.

Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected over a 10-month period on the prevalence of heroin use and the experiences of heroin users. After describing the background to the study, the report detailed the findings
of the prevalence survey, including patterns of use found amongst clients of drug treatment agencies, multiple users and waiting lists, and data from the street survey.

Profiles of heroin users are presented, including information on the social settings of heroin use, supply issues, experiences of seeking treatment, treatment needs, and prevention. Case studies of two heroin users are presented. The report concluded with a discussion of research and policy perspectives on the heroin problem.