A comparative study of socio demographic and clinical characteristics of heroin injectors and heroin chasers: a comparative study done in a tertiary care de-addiction center of Kashmir, India

Zoya Mir; Preetkamal; Yasir Hassan Rather

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20254382

Authors

Zoya Mir Department of Psychology, NIMS University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Preetkamal Department of Psychology, NIMS University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Yasir Hassan Rather Department of Psychiatry, IMHANS, Government Medical College, Srinagar, J&K, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20254382

Keywords:

Kashmir, Heroin, Chasers, Injectors, Opioid use disorder, Socio-demographics, Clinical variables

Abstract

Background: Heroin use has intensified into a major public health concern in Kashmir, accompanied by a rising prevalence of high-risk routes of administration, particularly injecting. However, regional research comparing injectors and chasers remains scarce. This study examined the socio-demographic and clinical differences between heroin injectors, heroin chasers, and healthy controls in a tertiary de-addiction centre in Kashmir.

Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 50 heroin injectors, 50 heroin chasers, and 30 healthy controls recruited through purposive sampling. Participants aged ≥18 years meeting DSM-5 criteria for Opioid Use Disorder were assessed after withdrawal stabilization using a semi-structured socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS-21 using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and independent t-tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Injectors were significantly younger, less educated, and more frequently engaged in unskilled or unstable occupations than chasers and controls (p<0.001). Injectors showed earlier onset of heroin use, longer illness duration, and more treatment attempts. Both groups had comparable legal involvement (25%). High-risk behaviors were far more common among injectors: 80% reused needles, 72% shared needles, 50% were hepatitis-positive, and 34% reported overdose. Medical complications such as abscesses and skin infections occurred only among injectors.

Conclusions: Heroin injectors represent a high-risk subgroup with greater addiction severity and substantially elevated medical and behavioural harms. These findings highlight the need for targeted harm-reduction interventions, early identification of injecting-related risks, and preventive strategies to reduce transition from chasing to injecting within the Kashmir region.

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