Pseudoheroinism

Diseases of drug abuse are increasing in both incidence and importance to the medical profession. Heroin addiction represents an important disease of drug abuse which is inadequately understood as well as inaccurately designated. The term "chronic heroin addiction" as used to designate the long-term abuse of illegal heroin is shown to be both inaccurate and misleading. The concept of pseudoheroinism is introduced to explain these discrepancies as well as to elucidate the essential nature of heroin addiction. Certain aspects pertaining to the pathophysiology of heroin addiction are reviewed. The role and significance of non-heroin substances in the pathophysiology of typical heroin addiction syndromes are discussed. Data from various sources substantiating the concept of pseudoheroinism are presented and reviewed.