An exploration of the psychosocial determinants of male problematic heroin use

Abstract

This study takes a psychosocial perspective to explore factors that may contribute to male problematic heroin use. A Biographic Narrative Interpretative Method was used (BNIM) to conduct a qualitative study from a psychosocial perspective. Various theoretical contributions and empirical studies were used as a conceptual framework. Six males with histories of heroin use, attending drug detoxification services, were interviewed using a Single Question aimed at Inducing Narratives (SQUIN). Thematic Analysis (TA) was then used to shed light on the role of various psychosocial factors in the development problematic consumption. Findings indicate that problematic heroin use is predominately a psychosocial malady rather a function of heroin's chemical properties. The author argues that psychosocial variables, including widespread perceptions (setting) and intrapersonal beliefs (set), are crucial determinants of problematic heroin use, Withdrawal and cravings. The study concludes with recommendations for qualitative research in the field of controlled heroin use.