EFFECTS OF HEROIN AND METHADONE ON PLASMA CORTISOL AND TESTOSTERONE

  • 1 January 1975
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 195  (2) , 296-302
Abstract
Narcotic addicts self-administered heroin i.v. for 10 days under controlled research ward conditions and were subsequently detoxified with methadone for 7 days. Plasma testosterone levels decreased significantly when heroin dosage was between 45 and 65 mg/day contrasted to predrug base-line levels. Testosterone levels remained depressed during methadone withdrawal. No statistically significant changes in morning plasma cortisol levels were observed during both heroin acquisition and methadone withdrawal.