Identification of sociodemographic characteristics and substance use trends among individuals with heroin addiction in Herzegovina

Profile of individuals with heroin addiction in Herzegovina

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine the demographic and substance use trends among heroin addicts in Herzegovina.

Methods: Data were analyzed regarding gender, age, educational attainment, types of psychoactive substances they use, reasons for initiating substance use, transition methods between substances, type of substitution therapy, and achieving abstinence with the use of substitution therapy. The sample consisted of 127 participants.

Main findings: Most treated individuals were men, typically initiating psychoactive substance use in adolescence. Heroin was the primary drug of addiction, while tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was commonly reported as a secondary substance. Intravenous use was frequent and often associated with equipment sharing. Hepatitis C was prevalent among users, with limited vaccination against hepatitis B. Methadone was the predominant substitution therapy. Among those with available outcome data, roughly three quarters achieved abstinence during treatment.

Principal conclusion: Individuals treated for heroin addiction in Herzegovina are predominantly male with adolescent-onset substance use, frequent intravenous administration, and substantial infectious-disease burden. Comprehensive strategies—prevention in early adolescence, robust harm reduction, and sustained substitution therapy with psychosocial support—are essential to improve outcomes.