Heroin use has been associated with increased impulsive behavior. Overdose (OD) is a common cause of death among in opioide users, but majority of them report a history of non fatal OD. The aim of this study has been to observe the role of impulsivity among heroin users, as a prominent factor which can lead to non-fatal OD.

Sixty patients, heroin users (30 male and 30 female), were separated in two groups- first with positive history of non fatal OD and intravenous administration opoides and second without history of OD and same addiction pattern. Control group was formed of 30 heroin users reported non fatal OD and with intranasal administration opioides.The psychometric inventory- Barrat Impulsivity Scale (BIS 11), Dickman Impulsivity Inventory (DII), and Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS) were also administrated to patients with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD).

The results have demonstrated significantly higher mean scores on Barrat and Dickman scale, compared with control. Separated analyses of variance conducted on Motor Barrat Subscale and Dysfunctional impulsives on Dickman Inventory revealed significant correlation in mean scores (p< 0.01).The important relationship between seeking for sensation and motor impulsivity was shown.There is no relevant diference detected on HAMD compared to control.

Chronic abuse of illicit drugs, such as heroin, produces significant deficit in executive control functions.These findings suggests that impulsivity could be associated with increase risk of non- fatal overdose.