Chromosome Damage in Heroin-Marijuana and Marijuana Addicts

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of chromosome damage in heroin-marijuana addicts and marijuana addicts. A group of 45 subjects, aged between 19 and 21 years, was divided into 15 controls, 15 heroin-marijuana addicts and 15 marijuana addicts. These patients were examined for the presence of chromosome aberrations in their peripheral lymphocytes. The findings indicate that the incidence of chromosome anomalies in heroin-marijuana addicts is approximately 21.3 times greater than in the controls and approximately 7.9 times greater than in marijuana addicts.