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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2022, 24, N6 (pages: 15 - 23)

Reasons behind Use of Heroin and Stimulants: A Functional Perspective

Zhao Q., Hongyu G., and Mao Y.

Summary: Background: This research describes the different reasons or functions (motives) behind drugs and examines the associated factors. Methods: The study sample consisted of 761 synthetic stimulant users, 50 heroin users, and 85 drug users who used both stimulants and heroin. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that heroin users mainly used drugs to change their mood, while stimulant users used drugs for sexual effects, socialization and increasing self-confidence. Results: the frequency of drug use for sexual effects and socialization was higher among male users. In comparison, the frequency of drug use to reduce weight and kill time was higher among female users. Young users reported that they used drugs mainly to reduce weight. Those who initiated drug use at an early age reported using drugs for socialization, changing their mood, and killing time. The participants who used drugs more frequently got high scores on all the dimensions about motives behind the use of drugs except the dimension' reducing weight'. Conclusions: Prevention and intervention efforts need to be tailored accordingly to address the needs of different groups based on their specific motives behind the use of drugs because the treatments which help in the reduction of weight or in coping with depression are likely to be different.