Changes in the use of opioid drugs and available interventions in Bam during the first year after the earthquake

Opium use has been traditionally common in the southeast of Iran. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the prevalence of drug abuse, its pattern and health service status in the city of Bam and Baghchamak village during the first year after Bam earthquake.

Five qualitative methods were used in this study: focus group discussion, individual in-depth interview, ethnographic observation, mapping and photographing. Drug abusers, ordinary people, drug abuse therapists, and other key informants were interviewed in ten groups and 69 individual in-depth interviews.

A high prevalence of drug dependence was reported in Bam and Baghchamak, especially among men. Opium was the most widely used illicit drug, but heroin use was rare. Most of the interviewees believed that opium and heroin use has increased in Bam after the earthquake. Also an increase of drug use has been reported in the youth and women, as well. There were a few centers providing drug abuse treatment services, and in almost all of them detoxification was the only service provided. Many drug abusers were unaware of the available services.

Bam earthquake caused an increase in drug use. There is an urgent need for plans to establish a rapid response to control the rise in drug use and minimize its negative effects.