Relationship Between Craving Intensity and Risky Behaviors and Impulsivity Factors in Different Groups of Opiate Addicts

Objectives: This study is carried out with the aim of assessing the relationship between craving and impulsivity factors in three main groups of opiate addicts (heroin, crack-heroin (locally known, purified crystaline heroin), and opium). Method: 77 opiate users in 3 groups (37 heroin intravenous (IV) abusers, 17 crack smokers and 23 opium smokers) were selected using a semi-structured interview and based on dependency criteria of Diagnositic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV), from treatment waiting list of Iranian National Center for Clinics Addiction Studies. At first, demographic information was collected from each subject. Computerized version of Barratt and Zuckerman Scales, and Eysenck and Dickman questionnaires were used to assess different aspects of impulsivity. Craving was assessed through a computerized visual cue task for opiate addicts (heroin, heroin-crack, and opium). Results: Results show higher scores in motor and dysfunctional impulsivity among heroin IV abusers than opium smokers and higher experience seeking and boredom susceptibility in heroin- crack smokers. Higher craving was correlated with higher