25 research outputs found
Comparison between heroin and heroin-cocaine polyabusers: a psychopathological study
The concomitant use of cocaine by heroin-dependent subjects,
or by patients on methadone maintenance treatment, is a relevant
phenomenon that determines the negative consequences on health, social
adjustment, and outcome of opioid addiction treatment. Little is known
about the patterns of co-use of these two substances and the pathophysiological
alterations following this condition. Only a few studies have
evaluated the neurochemical effects in subjects carrying this specific
pattern of abuse. Similarly, the impact of cocaine abuse on psychiatric
and social function in subjects already affected by opioid addiction is
still poorly understood and further studies are necessary to investigate
this specific area that could profoundly affect methadone maintenance
treatment. The aim of this article is to investigate the psychopathological
symptoms of heroin–cocaine abuse in a group of heroin addicts applying
for treatment. Results show a direct relationship between cocaine abuse
and a higher rate of psychiatric disorders, but a negative correlation with
the severity of self-rated psychopathology