I have only got about halfway through the book (it's a massive tome). He certainly speaks of his use of heroin and the fact that he has tried most recreational drugs and heroin was "the best fit" for him. I suspect the reason he has been speaking about it in interviews is because of the book release - jounralists like to focus on the perceived juicy bits.

I couldn't say whether he still uses heroin. I get the impression not, as he talks of how he felt he wasn't addicted and could take it or leave it, but then realised he was a different person when using it.

I'm reading the bit about him growing up in a Catholic Italian-Irish family and all that it entails. It is a story told with warmth, humour and intelligence.

The book is available by itself (RRP AUS49.95) or with a 8 CD set of the A-Z recordings (AUS$125). I was lucky enough to have big@l send me a copy of the recordings, so just bought the book.

Here's a link to a review:

http://www.fancygoods.com.au/booksellerpublisher-magazine/2010/09/29/book-review-how-to-make-gravy-paul-kelly-hamish-hamilton/