A total of 11 of 24 (46 percent) opiate-dependent patients reported having used PST. For five patients currently using PST, it was the major source of opiates, and two had managed to withdraw from the use of other opiates with the regular use of PST Patients reported a median onset of opiate effects in 15 minutes, producing an effect that lasted a median of 24 hours. The major disadvantage of PST according to those who had used it was the foul taste. The use of PST as the major source of opiates can be viewed favorably under a "harm-reduction" philosophy, because of its low cost, legal availability, and oral route of administration. On the other hand, there is potential for PST to act as a "gateway drug" by creating opioid dependence and introducing the user to the culture of drug abuse. Written questionnaires were administered to consecutive patients with opiate dependency who were referred to Capital and Coast Health's Alcohol and Drug Service in 2000/2001. The questionnaire solicited information on the pattern of PST use, methods of preparation, its physical and psychological effects, and the patient's history of opiate use. 2 tables and 18 references