Anger, depression, and anxiety following heroin withdrawal

Int J Addict. 1992 Jan;27(1):25-35. doi: 10.3109/10826089109063460.

Abstract

Residents in a detoxification/motivation program for drug users provided speech samples just after detoxification and again 5 weeks later. Content analysis scales were used to obtain scores for Hostility (Inward, Outward, and Ambivalent), Cognitive Anxiety, Pawn, Origin, and Sociality. Comparisons were made with scores from a previous sample of students, unemployed people, and drug users. At the end of the program there were significant positive changes in all scores except those for Hostility Outward and Pawn. Of particular interest was the anger expressed just after detoxification and maintained at a significantly high level during the following weeks. This suggests a need for drug-treatment programs to include specific anger-management interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anger*
  • Anxiety Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / chemically induced*
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Heroin / adverse effects*
  • Heroin Dependence / rehabilitation
  • Hospital Units
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Male
  • New South Wales
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / psychology*

Substances

  • Heroin