Effects of Environmental Factors on Opiate Drug Choice in Opioid Dependent Individuals.

A drug dependent person chooses to take drug more often (and suffer its long-term bad consequences) than choosing to engage in healthy activities (which have better long-term consequences). The present research will be conducted in a controlled laboratory setting with heroin abusers who are not seeking treatment to understand what factors guide their choices.

This research focuses on environmental (i.e. non-medication) factors that affect choosing a drug versus money. Findings from this research are likely to be important in developing a theoretical and practical basis for behavioral interventions as part of drug abuse treatment. HYD is a drug that is currently used as a cough suppressant and to relieve pain.

Participants in this observational study will take part in multiple trials in which they have the opportunity to choose HYD or money. On the first two experimental days, prior to choice sessions, participants will receive a sample of the drug doses that can be chosen. During test sessions, participants will have 12 opportunities to choose either drug or money. Participants will use a computer to earn choices. Respiration rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure will be monitored throughout choice trials. Self-report questionnaires will be completed at different times during the study.

Participants will be maintained on buprenorphine throughout the study, with a minimum 2-week lead before the experiment, and a fixed 3-week detoxification after study completion.

Inclusion criteria

• Opioid dependent, as determined by structured clinical interview for DSM-IV (SCID) and Addiction Severity Index (ASI)
• Positive urine test for opiates
• Willing to use an adequate form of contraception for the duration of the study.
• Reads and writes English

Exclusion criteria

• Psychiatric illness, as determined by the DSM-IV criteria
• History of or current neurological disease, including structural abnormalities, seizures, infection, peripheral neuropathy, and head traumas
• History of cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, chest pain, or edema
• Systolic blood pressure greater than 160mm HG or less than 95 mm HG: PR diastolic blood pressure greater than 95 mm HG.
• Pulmonary disease, including obstructive pulmonary disease, Cor pulmonale, tuberculosis, and asthma
• Systemic disease (e.g. endocrinopathies, liver or kidney failure, myxedema, hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, autoimmune disease)
• Current alcohol or sedative drug dependence
• Pregnant or breast feeding
• Currently receiving treatment for opioid dependence
• Known phobia of injections