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Adjunctive drug use among opiate addicts
1National Drug Research Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang.
Current Medical Research and Opinion
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Most heroin addicts use other drugs like nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis, often to intensify heroin's effects. Addressing heroin addiction is key to reducing overall substance abuse, including the use of benzodiazepines.
Area of Science:
- Addiction research
- Clinical psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Opiate addiction, particularly heroin, is a significant public health concern.
- Adjunctive drug use is common among individuals with heroin addiction.
- Understanding patterns of co-occurring substance use is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns and motivations behind adjunctive drug use in heroin addicts.
- To differentiate the roles of various substances used alongside heroin.
- To inform policy decisions regarding heroin addiction and co-occurring substance use.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 249 opiate (primarily heroin) addicts.
- Detailed examination of adjunctive drug use, including types of substances and timing of use.
- Analysis of self-reported reasons for using adjunctive drugs.
Main Results:
- Nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis were frequently used before and during heroin addiction.
- Benzodiazepines were used in later stages of heroin addiction.
- The primary motivation for adjunctive drug use was to intensify heroin's euphoric effects; self-treatment of withdrawal was less common.
Conclusions:
- Heroin addiction is the primary issue, with adjunctive drug use often secondary.
- Economic factors may influence the use of certain adjunctive drugs like benzodiazepines.
- Effective heroin abuse prevention is essential to reduce adjunctive drug use; reducing supply without addressing demand may increase it.