Brain function of heroin addicts after withdrawal / 中南大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore what brain regions are modulated by heroin addiction and withdrawal.MethodsWe used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the brain function in 15 heroin-dependent patients 3 days (acute) and 1 month (protracted) after heroin abstinence.Sixteen normal controls were included.Results The blood oxygen level-dependent signal in the orbitofrontal cortex of the brain of heroin-dependent patients was significantly elevated 3 days after the withdrawal.Hyperfunction of the orbitofrontal cortex declined 1 month after the withdrawal.Conclusion Heroin-dependent subjects at both 3 days and 1 month abstinence have persistent abnormalities in the brain function.Although some tangible beneficial effects are noted following 1month of detoxification,possible permanent damage to the brain caused by heroin use is suggested.