A Comparison of Blood Indices in Orally and Inhaled Opium Addicts with Non-addict Healthy Control

Background: Drug abuse and drug dependence are very common in the community, which causes complications in patients. It is necessary to identify these complications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the blood parameters of oral and inhaled opium addicts with healthy individuals in Zahedan. Methods: This study was performed on 60 people (20 in the group of oral opium addicts, 20 in the group of inhaled opium addicts, and 20 in the healthy group). After recording demographic information, blood parameters were recorded and analyzed. Results: The findings of our study showed that the mean of white blood cell (WBC), platelets (PLT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was not significantly different in the three groups. However, it was found that the mean of red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) in the healthy groups and serum lead (Pb) levels in addicts was significantly higher, but no difference was seen between the oral and inhaled groups. It was also found that in all subjects, Pb had an inverse and significant relationship with RBC, Hb, and Hct. Conclusions: The higher levels of Pb in the blood of substance abusers may cause further anemia, and blood Pb levels must be frequently checked in substance abusers.