Personality Dimensions among Heroin Injectors and Heroin Chasers

Personality traits influence vulnerability to substance use disorders, yet limited research from conflict-affected regions has examined differences across patterns of heroin use. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at a tertiary de-addiction centre in Srinagar, India. The sample comprised 50 heroin injectors, 50 heroin chasers, and 30 healthy controls (N = 130). Participants meeting DSM-5 criteria for Opioid Use Disorder were assessed post-withdrawal. Personality traits were measured using the NovoPsych Five Factor Personality Scale–30. Data were analysed using ANOVA and chi-square tests. Significant group differences were observed for age and income. Injectors and chasers scored lower on Openness and Conscientiousness compared to controls, while injectors demonstrated higher Extraversion. No significant differences were found for Agreeableness or Neuroticism. Distinct personality patterns appear associated with heroin use and route of administration, underscoring the need for personality-informed interventions in treatment settings.