INVESTIGATION OF DRUG CRAVING IN HEROIN ADDICTS AFTER DETOXIFICATION

Objective: To investigate drug craving in heroin addicts in drug-free condition after clinical detoxification in China. Method: 705 inpatient heroin addicts after clinical treatment in compulsory drug detoxification units in Beijing and Chongqing were investigated. A single-item self-rating scale was used to assess the intensity of craving. Result: There were 38.7% heroin-addicted patients feeling drug craving during the session of investigation. There was no difference in the fluctuating craving levels among the groups of one month, two months, three months, and over three months after clinical detoxification(F=1.345,P=0.259).There was relationship between the intensity of craving and cigarette smoking(standard regression coefficient γ=0.225, t=6.128, P0.001). Conclusion: Drug craving lasts long time after clinical detoxification.