Heroin: psychological assessment and intervention

Abstract

Heroin is a drug that has generated significant social interest as its use has increased. It is also a substance that has sparked passionate debates and positions that have gone beyond purely scientific considerations to become a matter of political concern. This paper aims to provide a sober and measured account that allows readers to understand, in light of recent research, the effects of this drug on humans, how these effects should be assessed, and the various therapeutic options available, ranging from clinical psychological intervention to community-based intervention.