A retrospective study was carried out of all heroin abusers admitted to an acute psychiatric unit to examine their use of the facility of in-patient care. The compliance with treatment was low. Most patients discharged themselves or were discharged prematurely for using drugs while in the ward; only 21% were discharged as planned. The value of hospital admission in the management of opiate abusers may have to be reconsidered in view of the increasing prevalence of heroin abuse and the limited number of psychiatric beds.