Objective: To review the relevant epidemiological aspects of national
research regarding consumption of heroin and cocaine over the last two
decades, with emphasis on the northern border of Mexico.
Materials and Method: An automated consultation was carried out
after the theoretical design of a bibliographic search for works related to
the subject. 72 papers were found of which 59 were chosen after a careful
revision representing 83%. For the analysis a matrix of qualitative and
quantitative variables was designed and processed with Excel, Windows
2000.
Results: Although the consumption of heroin is not a recent phenomenon,
over the last few years it has reached such high proportions, especially
in the north of the country, as many different sources of information
indicate. Likewise, the consumption of cocaine is ever-growing and
spreading throughout the country the same proportions, as show by
several indicators.
Observations: The consumption prevalence of both heroin and cocaine
is alarming because its tremendous impact on the individual, the family
and the society and it represents a challenge for the Mexican Health Services,
particularly in planning and management.