Effects of heroin and methadone on plasma cortisol and testosterone

Narcotic addicts self-administered heroin intravenously for 10 days under controlled research ward conditions and were subsequently detoxified with methadone for 7 days. Plasma testosterone levels decreased signifcantly when heroin dosage was between 45 and 65 mg/day contrasted to predrug base-line levels. Testosterone levels remained depressed during methadone withdrawal. No statistically significant changes in a.m. plasma cortisol levels were observed during both heroin acquisition and methadone withdrawal.