The effect of heroin addiction on sexuality and quality of life of patients referred to the clinics in Sahneh, Iran

Background & Aim : In recent years, the pattern of drug dependence in Iran has changed a lot, and most of young people have been pushing for new industrial or semi-industrial materials like heroin. This material, after the very initial stages of use, causes extensive and profound damage to the superior structures of the brain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of heroin addiction on the sexuality and quality of life of the addicted person. Material and Methods: It was a descriptive-correlational study. The participants were 200 addicts who referred to the clinics in Sahneh, Iran in the second half of 2017. The sampling was done through the convenience sampling method. The data were collected using the Half-Life Index (HISD), a short form questionnaire of quality of life. Results:  The results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between sexuality  and all subscales of quality of life. Regression analysis showed that 29% of the sexuality variance was predicted by sub-scales of quality of life, and physical health with a standard beta of 0/49 had the most predictive power of sexuality. Conclusion:  The results of this study showed that heroin addiction decreases sexual desire of individuals, as well as heroin addicts have a lower quality of life than healthy people.