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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2006, 08, 1 (pages: 11 - 24)

Heroin dependence in the Russian Federation: the current situation

Kozlov A. A., Perelygin V. V., Rohlina M. L., Vyshinsky K. V.

Summary: This article reviews the current situation surrounding heroin addiction in the Russian Federation; it describes the epidemic patterns associated with that addiction, including their negative impact and complications (HIV, hepatitis, asocial behaviour, mortality). The need to search further for effective integrated approaches to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation is demonstrated with reference to the attitudes of progressive scientists, to the historical experience of Russian addictive psychiatry and to the recommendations of the WHO. The proposal is made that there should be an ongoing search for a differentiated approach and for appropriate criteria to be adopted in integrated treatments of HIV infection and other socially significant consequences of drug addiction; these will call for discussions on substitution therapy.