Post-Heroin Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Spectrum: Heroin Addiction as a Generator of Trauma Sensitisation in Everyday Life: A Perspective Review.

Abstract

Background: Heroin addiction is associated with profound dysregulation of the endogenous opioid and stress response systems, yet current diagnostic frameworks may inadequately capture the traumatising aspects of this condition. This perspective proposes the concept of post-heroin post-traumatic stress spectrum (pH-PTSD/S) as a clinical syndrome emerging from chronic opioid-induced neurobiological and psychosocial dysregulation, even in the absence of Criterion A trauma. Methods: The authors review evidence from neuroendocrinology, behavioural neuroscience, and clinical psychopathology to support a sensitisation-based model of trauma vulnerability in heroin use disorder (HUD). Results: Findings suggest that HUD patients frequently exhibit PTSD-spectrum symptoms, including hyperarousal, avoidance, emotional dysregulation, and altered stress reactivity. Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) may mitigate these symptoms by stabilising HPA axis function and reducing exposure to trauma-related contexts. The pH-PTSD/S construct, measured through a dedicated instrument, identifies patients with subthreshold trauma-related symptoms and greater psychopathological burden. Conclusions: Heroin dependence may constitute a traumatising condition, requiring dimensional diagnostic tools and trauma-informed treatment strategies. Further research is needed to validate the nosological status of pH-PTSD/S, clarify its distinction from protracted withdrawal or complex PTSD, and determine its implications for OAT duration and integrated care pathways.