Pattern of Cocaine and Heroin Abuse in a sample of Iranian Population

Objective: To assess the pattern of cocaine and heroin abuse in a sample of Iranian general population. Methods: Participants: 1400 subjects aged 15 years or older selected randomly in a household survey. Semi-structured interview by a questionnaire and a structured interview based on DSM-IV criteria for cocaine and heroin dependence and abuse. Results: The majority (35.9%) were in the age range of 15 to 24, 27.4% in 25 to 34, 17.6% in 35 to 44 and only 3.9% were older than 65 years. Of the subjects, 7 (0.5%) admitted the use of cocaine once or more during their lives [6 (0.9%) were men and 1 (0.1%) was a woman]. 2 (0.1%) were cocaine abuser [2 (0.3%) were men and none was woman]. 1(.07%) was cocaine dependent [1 (0.1%) was a man and there were no women]. The most common reason reported for initial cocaine use was curiosity, and for current use was seeking pleasure. Of the subjects, 39 (2.8%) admitted the use of heroin once or more during their lives [35 (5%) were men and 4 (0.6%) were women]. 8 (0.6%) were heroin occasional abusers [6 (0.9%) were men and 2 (0.3%) were women]. 22 (1.6%) were heroin dependent [18 (2.6%) were men and 4 (0.6%) were women). Use of heroin was significantly related to gender. The most common reason reported for initial heroin use was curiosity, and for current use, seeking pleasure. Conclusions: This study could be considered for planning preventive and therapeutic governmental programs.