Bidirectional relationship between heroin addiction and depression: Behavioural and neural studies

Abstract

Heroin is highly addictive drug that users use in spite of its negative consequences. Many research on drug dependence, persistence and relapse confirmed that there is a relationship between drug addiction and negative mood states. The present review article investigated the relationship between depression, negative mood, and drug abuse. In addition, the article investigated. The relationship between depression, anxiety, and negative mood-induced heroin-seeking behavior. Previous studies pointed out that depression symptoms could be as a result of heroin use, persistence, and relapse and should be considered in the assessment and treatment of heroin addiction. The greater severity attributable to comorbidity suggests that addressing depression and substance use is a complex and poses an increased challenge for treatment, recovery and abstinence.