PREVALENCE OF HEROIN ABUSE IN SHIRAZ, IRAN

Substance abuse remains a crime in Iran, but the authorities are now more inclined to treat dependence as a psychiatric disorder. Substance abusers undergoing treatment are no longer prosecuted, nor are the specialists who treat them. Costs of treatment, medication, and rehabilitation are paid by patients according to the approved tariffs, but the government will pay the costs for those unable to afford treatment. Alcohol is prohibited by both religion and law. Other abused illicit substances include heroin, opium, stimulants, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), cannabis, and hallucinogens.