Acute Effects of Heroin on Emotions in Heroin-Dependent Patients

BackgroundEuphoria has been described in heroin-dependent individuals after heroin administration. However, affective disturbances and disorders are common in heroin dependence. The present study examined the acute effects of heroin on emotions in heroin-dependent patients. MethodsThis randomized controlled crossover trial included 28 heroin-dependent patients (67.9% male, n=19) in stable heroin-assisted treatment and 20 healthy controls. The patients were administered heroin or saline (placebo), the controls were administered saline. Data measuring mood, affects and heroin craving (BDI, AMRS, STAI, STAXI, and HCQ) were assessed before and 60minutes after substance injection. ResultsBefore substance injection, heroin-dependent patients showed significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression than healthy controls (p<.0001). Heroin administrationbut not placebo administrationwas associated with a significant decrease in all negative emotions, including craving, and a significant increase in emotional well-being (p<.0001), irrespective of perceived intoxication and sedation. After the experiment, the patients did not differ from healthy controls in their emotions, once they had received heroin. ConclusionsHeroin dampens craving, negative emotions, and increases positive emotions. These findings indicate that heroin regulates emotions and underscore the clinical benefit of opioid substitution treatment for heroin-dependent patients. (Am J Addict 2013;22:598-604)