Although opiate addicts often equate the drug experience with sexual
orgasm, diminished libido and impaired sexual performance are common
sequelae of chronic use. Early clinical studies suggested that opiates may
interfere with sex hormone secretion. The authors carried out three
sequential studies which demonstrated that heroin use in man results in
acute suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH) release from the pituitary
followed by a secondary drop in plasma testosterone levels. The time course
of these neuroendocrine events correlates well with the tension-reducing
effects of heroin and suggests that drive reduction is an important
component of opiate reinforcement.Abstract Teaser