SUMMARY :
A total of 81 heroin addicts
were examined. These were 47 males
(58% of the total number of patients),
aged on average 20.5 (17-27) years,
and 34 female patients (42%),
aged on average 20.9 (18-24) years.
The patients had 1 to 3 years long experience of heroin injections.
Using sexological categories differing
in social, personality, and biological sexuality levels, and also using the theory of functional systems, helped reveal damaged sexuality
in our patients. Not only higher functions,
but also biological functions were affected
in our patients: men had decreased libido, while women demonstrated upset menstrual cycle. A specific phenomenon is described: the rhythm of sexual activity in men decreases with increasing intensity
of heroin use. The reproductive level in this social group is 12%; prostitution, 41%.
It is suggested that formation of heroin dependence be considered as competition
of two functional systems for the result
of action: pathological system competes
for heroin use, while sexuality competes
for realization of libido.
It is recommended that the program
for rehabilitation of drug addicts includes sexological consultation, special course
in sex education, and training.
The program may be accomplished in
three stages, namely, the diagnostic stage (lasting for 1-2 weeks), the active training stage (2-3 months), and the stage of patient withdrawal from the program with control
of treatment result (to physician s discretion).
The program should be conducted by a pair
of specialists in psychotherapy, comprising
a general physician and a psychologist.